Dinner in Kokopo, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the evening (Sign)

May I the specifically greet you: Rev Amos Niba, Deputy Governor of East New Britain Province and fellow members of the provincial government; Your Excellency Niels Holm, High Commissioner for New Zealand to Papua New Guinea; Your Excellency Mr Bill Dihm, High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea to New Zealand;  Distinguished guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

In the context of this gathering, may I add the greetings: iving olgeta.

I would like to thank you for inviting us to dinner here in Kokopo this evening.

I am lucky to have had some contact with Papua New Guinea as a judge and an Ombudsman in former occupations. This visit has enabled new things, such as appreciating the rugged yet majestic topography and natural beauty with an extraordinary diversity of languages, cultures and peoples. This has proven to so in our meetings with people in Port Moresby, Eastern Highlands Province and here in East New Britain. 

Our trip has also emphasised different aspects of the relationship between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, which marked by warmth, familiarity and co-operation. 

The beginnings of our relationship lie in the devastation wrought by the Second World War.

With Papua New Guinea achieving independence in 1975, our two countries quickly moved to establish diplomatic relations. The relationship now includes regular consultations at a political level, a development assistance programme, defence co-operation activities and a network of commercial and business linkages. 

New Zealand and Papua New Guinea also share a host of international links.  We are both members of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, APEC and the ASEAN Regional Forum.  In addition, New Zealand recognises the significant role that Papua New Guinea plays in the Pacific Forum as a large Pacific Island state.

My visit to this country, the first by a New Zealand Governor-General in more than two decades, is a reconfirmation of the importance that New Zealand places on maintaining and enhancing its relationship with Papua New Guinea. 

In being here I want to assure you that New Zealand is committed to working with Papua New Guinea in addressing the many challenges it faces, assisting it in extending education and health services and in fostering economic development, particularly in rural areas.

In conclusion, New Zealand remains an old friend and committed regional partner of Papua New Guinea and its people.  Thank you again for inviting us to dinner and for welcoming us to the East New Britain Province. 

And on that note, I seek to close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, offering greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours. 

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.