Linton Military Camp

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 afternoon (Sign). 

I specifically greet you:  Lieutenant Colonel Kent Collard, Commanding Officer 1 NZ Signals Regiment;  Commanding Officers, Regimental Sergeant Majors, Officers, Soldiers; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to visit Linton Military Camp here in the Manawatu.  In particular, we would like to thank everyone involved in the ceremonial welcome, the briefings we have received and the tour of the camp.

I would like to say a few words about my connection as Governor-General with the New Zealand Defence Force and the values of New Zealand Army.

As a lawyer, Judge and Ombudsman in former occupations who had almost no military background prior to being appointed Governor-General in 2006, I have enjoyed the regular connections with the NZDF that the role has provided.

Those connections have varied from being the Reviewing Officer at Navy Divisions and a Officer graduations through to meeting New Zealand military staff at work helping bring peace to the Solomon Islands as a part of the international assistance mission known as RAMSI.

I have also connected with the services when they participate in ceremonies welcoming new Ambassadors and Heads of State to New Zealand.  I have also awarded Honours to Army personnel at investiture ceremonies.   Those awards have varied from exceptional bravery and valour to recognition for completing difficult command roles and service beyond the call of duty.

The New Zealand Army in particular has a proud history of service that stretches back to the Boer War, the First and Second World Wars and conflicts in Korea, Vietnam and Malaysia.  Next year, for example, marks the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Crete where the Allied Forces were led by my predecessor as Governor-General, Sir Bernard Freyberg.

The Army also a proud record of service in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.  Many of the 794 NZDF personnel deployed on operations, UN missions and defence exercises in 10 countries throughout the world are from the Army.

This varied service speaks of the values of the Army-courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity-and its ethos of serving New Zealand both loyally and honourably. 

In particular, it speaks of mana.  Mana is earned, it is not given and must never be taken for granted.  By acting with dignity and dedication, you build on the mana of those who have gone before you.   The words of the wonderful New Zealander, the late Dame Whina Cooper, capture the point well.  As quoted in the late Dr Michael King's biography Whina she said:

"I can't sleep at night, because even at night I'm worrying about things and planning things.  It's the mana, you see.  If you've got it, it never lets you alone.  You have to be thinking about the people and working for them, all the time."

As the current Commander-in-Chief, I thank you again for your service and commitment and on that note will close in New Zealand's first language, Māori, offering everyone greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours.

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