Former MPs Reception

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)

I then specifically greet you: Graham Kelly, President of Association of Former Members of Parliament and your fellow executive members; Alisdair  Webster, President of Australian Association of Former Members of the Federal Parliament; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is with pleasure that my wife Susan and I welcome you to Government House Vogel in Lower Hutt for this reception for former Members of the New Zealand Parliament.

This is the second time we have hosted a reception for your Association here in Lower Hutt. 

In welcoming you, I want to brief you on the Government House Conservation Project is now in full swing and I am advised it is on time and on budget for completion in the middle of next year.  It may be possible for Susan and I to host you there next year before end our term in August.

On Wednesday this week we had the opportunity to tour the House with the outgoing British High Commissioner, His Excellency George Fergusson.   Mr Fergusson, as you will know, was a young boy when his father Sir Bernard Fergusson was appointed as Governor-General in 1962 and he has retained many fond memories of his life in New Zealand.   It was therefore highly interesting that he got to see the work that is being undertaken to ensure the House, which celebrates its centenary this year, will be well placed to serve New Zealand for a further 100 years.  Government House staff are working on an event to mark this milestone later this year.

The work under way is quite significant.  The whole roof has effectively been replaced and the retiling is pretty much complete.    The stucco on the upper level has been completely replaced and on the lower level, a century of paint has been stripped away, and it has been repainted in a dark colour to match the original colour scheme.

Inside, all the asbestos has been removed and at the eastern end of the building, repainting of the newly strengthened walls is in full swing.   At the western end of the building, the new staff offices are in their skeletal state with walls being full exposed. Underneath the House the service trench that runs from east to west is quickly filling with a host of pipes, wires and heating ducts.

There has also been much change with your  Association.  I want to note with respects that several former MPs have passed away in the last year.  They include: Hon Bill Young, long-time MP for Miramar; Jim Edwards, MP for Napier; Dr Anthony "Rufus" Rogers, MP for Hamilton East; Murray Smith, MP for Whangarei; and Hon Herbert Pickering, MP for Rangiora.

I understand you Association to be advancing a number of initiatives.  They include a secondary schools essay competition where the winner will get the opportunity to spend a day at Parliament, learning how New Zealand's system of government works.  This is a commendable initiative and complements the Youth Parliament. 

Former parliamentarians are also often called upon to serve as election monitors in nations overseas that are attempting to establish or re-establish working democracies. I observe that a number of you support commuity enterprises.

To ensure your members are better placed and equipped to handle such requests, I understand that the Association is working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the establishment of an Institute, run on similar lines to those in the European Union, Canada and the United States.

Again, I commend the Association and members present for taking these initiatives.  It shows yet again how public life for former parliamentarians can continue long after you walk down the steps of Parliament for the last time.

So in conclusion, I thank you for your ongoing service.  Susan and I wish the association well and invite you to enjoy our hospitality this evening.

And on that note 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.