Aranui High School Technology Block Opening

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: Stan Tawa, Chairperson of the Board and your fellow trustees; John Rohs, Principal of Aranui High School; Hon Lianne Dalziel, MP for Christchurch East; Your Worship Bob Parker, Mayor of Christchurch and your fellow councillors; kaumatua and kuia; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to attend the opening of Aranui High School’s new technology and art block.  I have been asked to officially open this new building but before I do I would like to speak about the significance of this new facility.

Aranui High has a history of innovation. I have recently discovered the unique Aranui Academies programme on offer. The broad range of activities, including sporting, hospitality, arts and services, are effective ways of keeping young students engaged in school life.

As Governor-General, I am also “Commander-in-Chief” of the New Zealand Defence Force and so was particularly pleased to see the Services Programme on offer at Aranui High which, I am told, is run by two ex-Army Officers. I understand that this programme is linked to courses offered at Burnham Military Camp which I had the opportunity of visiting on Monday.

This particular course, aimed at those students who find the traditional learning environment difficult, is an excellent way to instil good citizenship and life skills. Baron De Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, described education in New Zealand well when he said:

“In New Zealand… one finds oneself well off to have received in the public schools such a strong physical and moral education. Muscles and character are there the first object of necessity.”

This is particularly true of Aranui High School. I congratulate the School on your accomplishments as it marks its Golden Jubilee.

That now brings me to the reason I am present today. The completion and now official opening of this new technology and art block, named “Te Tai o Mahaanui” is an important milestone in the redevelopment of the college.

This technology and art block is significant, particularly in relation to the unique Aranui Academies programmes offered by the college. I have been told that the building comprises a variety of spaces and look forward to seeing them.

This facility, housing an art room, woodwork, carving and engineering workshops, and a home economics room to name but a few, reflects the diversity of educational options available at this school. This is something you can all be proud of.

Technology and art are becoming more advanced every day. It is no secret that New Zealanders are incredibly resourceful and creative. This year, for example, as well as being the 50th Jubilee of this school, also marks the 50th anniversary of the first televised transmission in New Zealand. 

We have been discovering and inventing things for decades upon decades. While everyone knows about Sir Ernest Rutherford splitting the atom and Bill Hamilton’s jet-boat invention, other kiwi inventions include the bungy jump, the tranquilliser gun, the disposable syringe and the electronic petrol pump to name but a few.

The inventiveness of New Zealanders was well described by Kevin Roberts, the CEO of one the world’s leading creative organisations Saatchi & Saatchi. He said:

“We were the last to be discovered and the first to see the light. This makes us one of the great experimental cultures. We try things first. Whether it’s votes for women, the welfare state or the market economy, powered flight, nuclear physics, anti-nuclearism, biculturalism. First-isms. The New in New Zealand is our reason to exist.”

I encourage students of Aranui High School to treasure this new facility. Let it be your space to begin your creative journey. It is appropriate to mention your School motto: Your School’s motto, “Ardue non Veriti”, loosely meaning “fear not the heights”.

All New Zealanders who have succeeded in their endeavours started somewhere. Let this be your starting point in your journey to achieving great things.

It gives me great pleasure to learn that this facility is intended for the community, with the use of it extended to two primary schools, namely: Wainoni Primary School and Queenspark School with another under negotiation. The facility will also house night classes and I am told that the carving class is one of those on offer.

And so it is that the college today gathers to open this new $2.2 million technology and art block.

I would like to congratulate everyone involved in bringing this significant initiative to fruition.  
This facility offers the staff and students of Aranui High School and the community so much.  It is a truly amazing statement.  But bricks, mortar, computers and technological equipment can only facilitate learning, they cannot make it happen.  It is up to you all to put this centre to good use and based on your School’s strong community support, I feel certain that you will. 

And with a sense of 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.

As Governor-General, it gives me great pleasure to declare the Aranui High School technology block officially open and to launch the golden jubilee celebrations.