Hockey New Zealand

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 Child and Hilary Poole, Chairperson and Chief Executive respectively of Hockey New Zealand; Jon Tanner, Chair of The Black Sticks Foundation; Mandy Smith, Anna Lawrence and Ramesh Patel, Black Sticks Foundation Patrons; Shane McLeod and Mark Hager, Head Coaches; Black Sticks team members; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for accepting the invitation from my wife Susan and I to join us here at Government House in Auckland this evening.

This evening’s reception has a dual-purpose. The first is to launch The Black Sticks Foundation and the second, to farewell the Black Sticks men’s and women’s teams as they leave New Zealand shores to compete in their respective international events. 

I remember the last time Susan and I attended a farewell for the Black Sticks Mens’ and Womens’ teams who were about to leave for China to represent New Zealand at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

We were then in the fortunate position to be able to attend the Olympic Games and to see something of the New Zealand performers in Beijing. We were also able to cheer on the women’s’ team when they played Great Britain, and the men’s team in their game against China.

Our attendance and vocal support for the women’s team playing Great Britain was assisted by the volume of thousands of others also encouraging our team.

However, our own vocal backing for New Zealand was also heard by HRH Princess Anne who was sitting behind us.  We were not aware of her proximity until later when, upon leaving together, she said with a chuckle: “It’s good to see New Zealanders supporting their national team so strongly!”

Hockey is one of the sports I have followed as a spectator since childhood in Auckland.  I looked up the schedule in the briefing material and saw reference to the visits of the Indian Warriors in 1955.  There have been many occasions since, where I have enjoyed hockey encounters.  Hockey is a sport at which New Zealanders have excelled in, in previous Olympic and Commonwealth Games.  

Susan and I both wish both Black Sticks teams the best of luck in your upcoming campaigns. You continue to do well, with recent achievements including both teams winning the Champions Challenge in 2009. I hope that the upcoming Champions Trophy, the Commonwealth Games and the Women’s World Cup campaigns will follow on in the same fashion.

If New Zealand is to continue to be represented on the international hockey stage, with players of the quality amongst us this evening, it requires an effective development programme that will assist players to reach their potential.

To that end, I am told that The Black Sticks Foundation, that is to be officially launched a little later this evening, has as a primary goal, providing New Zealand’s emerging players with the support and assistance they need to succeed.  I understand that the Foundation will develop a world class High Performance Programme which will be directed and led by Hockey New Zealand and delivered nationwide in partnership with the regional associations.

The Programme’s goals include retaining and nurturing young hockey players, thereby ensuring the prospect that the Black Sticks teams will consistently hold a “top six” world ranking, and assisting towards top world results at the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games and the 2012 London Olympics.

In conclusion, as Patron of Hockey New Zealand, I wish both teams all the best with their immediately forthcoming competitions.  Susan and I trust you enjoy our Government House 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.