Visit to Windsor School

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 morning (Sign)

May I specifically greet you: Neill O’Reilly, Principal and your fellow staff; Board of Trustees members; students, family and friends; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

It is with great pleasure that my wife Susan and I have the opportunity to visit Windsor School today. I would like to speak a little about the role I undertake as Governor-General and a little about your school and the importance of education.

I have brought with me a school set of a Government House publication that explains a little of my role and will leave that for the library. 

As you can probably tell from the way I speak, I am a New Zealander.  From the way I look, you can also probably tell I am of Indian origin. My grandparents from India migrated to Fiji and my parents were born in Fiji and moved to New Zealand and I was born in Auckland.

After going to school, I studied at university in Auckland and after graduating I started working as a lawyer.  In 1982, I was appointed as a judge and in 1995 as an ombudsman. In 2006, I was appointed Governor-General.

I am sure that you may know that New Zealand is a monarchy, which means that our Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II.  Because she is in London, she needs someone based in New Zealand to represent her.  That person is the Governor-General.

New Zealand is also a democracy.  That means that the people of New Zealand elect their Members of Parliament.  An important role of the Governor-General is to appoint the Prime Minister after an election.

Then there are other legal items.  When the Government in Parliament passes laws, the Governor-General signs them in the name of the Queen so they can become part of New Zealand’s laws. 

The Governor-General also signs other important documents appointing people to be Judges and Heads of Government Departments.   All of these legal things are called the Governor-General’s constitutional role. 

The second part of the role is ceremonial. This means that the Governor-General represents the country at important public ceremonies such as Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day events. 

The third part of the role is to do with community leadership.  This means visiting people and places throughout New Zealand and seeing things that people have done well.  This community role is the part of my job that keeps both my wife Susan and I busy. It is also that part of the job which keeps us in touch with so many New Zealanders.

And it is what has brought me to Christchurch and to your school.   I see it as a key part of my role to emphasise those things that positively unite us as New Zealanders rather than those things that divide us.

Education is such an important part of that.  Your teachers are not only giving you the skills to read, write and do long division, but how to understand the world around you. 

Your school motto is “Learning together with pride – Whakāko pehapeha tahi tātou”. Your school values, which I am sure you all know, include participation and partnership, respect and responsibility, integrity and identity, determination and excellence.

All of these are values are important not only in your school years but through your life.

In particular, if I could stress one thing to you, it would be to read, read and read.   Never stop reading.  If sport keeps the body fit, it is reading that keeps your brain fit and healthy.

I am sure most of you will have heard of Dr Seuss, who wrote the books, Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat in the Hat.  He once wrote:

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

I was pleased to learn about the Windsor PRIDE Challenge which all of those in Years 3 through to 6 are able to participate in. I am told that the Challenge covers five categories: giving, service in school and the community, physical activity and the outdoors, academic excellence and excellence in the arts.

This is a wonderful challenge for every student here. Participating in this challenge will teach you valuable lessons on serving others and being a positive member of the community.

It is with pleasure that I now announce the 2010 PRIDE Challenges open and wish those students participating all the best for the challenges ahead.

And on that note of encouragement and anticipation, I will close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours. 

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

For more photos of the visit to Windsor School, click here.