Kiwi Lines

As I am in a New Zealand setting, 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 then specifically greet you: Your Excellency, Tim McIvor, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste; Colonel Simon Stuart, Commander of the International Stabilisation Force; Colonel Garry Brosnan, New Zealand’s Senior National Officer with ISF and Wing Commander Allison Wells, NZ ISF Commanding Officer; John Doherty, Commander NZ UNPOL; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.  And in the context of our visit to Timor-Leste, may I add the greeting: Bom dia.

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to “Kiwi Lines”, the New Zealand International Stabilisation Force headquarters.   I wish to make a few brief remarks about the importance of the work being undertaken here.

Timor-Leste is one of the world’s newest nations.  Its path to independence was marked by violence and much suffering and loss of life.

It was therefore not surprising that the period since those dark days would be equally difficult. Creating a nation, an economy, and a government has posed many challenges.  Some have been met, but many more remain. 

The International Stabilisation Force—along with United Nations—has played a major role in creating the time and the space to allow the people of Timor-Leste, and their government, to begin building their country. 

By providing security and stability, the ISF has allowed the Government of Timor-Leste to focus on nation’s longer-term development needs and challenges.

To that end, the New Zealanders who have served here have played a significant role.  In addition to assisting in providing security, they have also worked in partnership with the Timorese people on a number of development projects that have brought important assistance to the wider community.  You can be immensely proud of your contribution to this country and helping it find its feet among the community of nations.

That work has been done with typical Kiwi humour and friendliness, not only respecting the people of Timor-Leste but also demonstrating a sensitivity to your presence in their nation.   Your work, in partnership with the people of Timor-Leste, is helping to building a better future for this young nation.

You can be proud also of having operated effectively alongside your Australian ISF colleagues.  Ninety-five years after the first ANZACs landed at Gallipoli, the ISF is yet another demonstration of what that term really means—Australians and New Zealanders standing side-by-side on an overseas deployment.

As Commander-in-Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, I congratulate you for your ongoing work.  Your service brings honour to the ANZAC spirit, to your country and to all New Zealanders.

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.