Glenwood Masonic Hospital 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).

I then specifically greet you: Bill Arcus and Warick Dunn, Chairman and Chief Executive respectively of the Masonic Villages Trust;  Your Worship Garry Daniell, Mayor of Masterton; Stan Barker, Grand Master of Freemasons New Zealand; Janine Vollebregt, Deputy Chair of the Wairarapa District Health Board (DHB); Danielle Farmer, Hospital Manager; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for inviting me to this official opening of Glenwood Masonic Hospital here in Masterton.  I have been asked to open the hospital but before I do, I would like to speak of the importance of what is provided here and the example that is set for aged care in New Zealand.

At the outset I would like to make mention of the office of Governor-General and its connection to the Masonic Villages Trust and with Freemasons more generally. Those connections have included a number of my predecessors having been Freemasons, and some also serving as Grand Master. 

Additionally my immediate predecessor, Dame Silvia Cartwright, opened the Horowhenua Masonic Village Leisure Centre in 2002. In 2008, Susan and I hosted the Freemasons Scholarships Presentation at Government House in Wellington. It is good, therefore, to be here today in my role as Governor-General to shortly open the new hospital.

Incidentally, Government House in Wellington, opened in 1910, is currently undergoing a significant conservation project. After almost 100 years of use, the House was in need of considerable conservation work.  While the house will not likely be fully operational again till mid-next year, we will be celebrating its centenary in October this year.

I am advised that the previous facility that you have recently moved out of was also built in 1910 and this year marks 100 years of hospital service on the Glenwood site. I extend my congratulations on reaching that significant milestone.

With New Zealand’s ageing population, and the increasing need for facilities to care for them, it is clear that the hospital outgrew its 100-year-old building. I am told that this new facility caters for twenty more residents than the old building.

The wide range of care provided, including rest home and hospital level care, as well as health recovery and respite care, is testament to the commitment that Freemasons have for caring to New Zealand’s senior citizens.

Statistics New Zealand tell me that the 65+ age group is projected to make up over one-quarter of New Zealand’s population from the late 2030s, compared with 12% in 2005.  This primarily reflects New Zealand’s post-war baby boom generation entry into retirement.

As well, as New Zealand’s population continues to age, and with medical advances ensuring that we all live longer lives, it seems that facilities such as those provided here at Glenwood Masonic Hospital will be in growing demand.

On that note I wish to thank the Wairarapa DHB and the Masterton District Council for your support.
I would also like to extend my thanks to the Masonic Villages Trust and the wider Freemasons of New Zealand who have made a significant investment into the new Glenwood Masonic Hospital.

Growing old is natural part of life and it is important that older New Zealanders are not only respected, but that their ongoing contribution to New Zealand’s society and economy is recognised.

As New Zealand writer, the late Bub Bridger, noted with her typically acerbic wit, as follows:

“I refuse to grow old in any way but reluctantly and bold as brass.”

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.

As Governor-General, it gives me great pleasure to declare the Glenwood Masonic Hospital officially open.

For more photos at this event, please click here.