Professional Assistants to Chief Executives (PACE)

Good afternoon to Paula McLaughlin, Chairperson of PACE,  Sue Reeves,  PACE Event Coordinator and to everyone here.

I am pleased to be here and to be uplifted by talking with people whose job it is to be considerate, trustworthy and efficient.  You, who have strengths and abilities in your own right, are making more effective a probably forthright leader and your job is about the leader, not you.  The partnership is built on an employment relationship and you must play your part with loyalty.

May I read you a verse from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible which describes the importance of partnership well.  It reads:

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”

I would like to share a little of my experience as the wife of and a personal assistant to a Governor-General.  The role has three notional parts, constitutional, ceremonial and community.  My contibution is to the ceremonial and community aspects.

Before we began Anand’s term, we made the decision that we would do things together, wherever possible.  We have found that, in practice, I can stand in for him, as you might do on behalf of your boss and I think of funerals as one instance.  I can extend the role itself by highlighting the themes of children, protection of the environment and volunteering.  I try to encourage people in the community who strive to make our country better.

I have been a legal executive and a school teacher.  Since living in Wellington, I have enjoyed being a volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Benefit Rights Centre.  By this means I felt in touch with community concerns.  I also love bridge, book groups and time in the garden.  We have a happy family, which is extending - and one of our recent joys is being grandparents.

In my public role, I try to dress and behave with dignity without being a fashion focus.  The people and communities that we see would make everyone here proud.  At schools, the playground looks its best and the songs are sung well by children who are excited by the occasion and the office of the Governor-General.  We try to live up to expectations of us.

Alongside successes, we have personally had a bumpy ride.  An example is in 2002 when we were involved in a car accident.  Anand came away with a serious cervical spinal fracture and had to wear a halo traction jacket during his recovery.  I am in awe of his ability and energy to get through adversity but I know that our commitment to each other makes a difference too.  Anand has a positive, inclusive outlook in everything he does and he reflects my loyalty.

Some organisations have made me their Patron some have us both as joint Patrons.  Barnardos is a joint patronage and the Foundation for Youth Development is one of which I am patron.  As the patron of Rural Women New Zealand, I have opened their conference every year and have come to know and respect that they are a strong voice for rural communities.  I am a joint patron of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Awards and this is an outstanding way to encourage, honour and meet remarkable young citizens.  The Roots of Empathy, sponsored by Barnardos, promotes interaction between babies and primary school children.  I am encouraged by this inspiring initiative.  The Head of Navy asked me to be the Lady Sponsor of the HMNZS Taupo.  This is an honour and another way in which I have a link to the marvellous people in the Armed Services.

Our experiences with the ten fine Aides de Camp is part of Anand’s privileges as Commander in Chief of the Joint Forces.  We attend many military ceremonies which are significant in our nation’s history and to our sense of identity as a young country.  The Navy have taken us for a trip to the Tokelau Islands which David Lange described as paradise.  The Air Force helps with our transport and we have come to know Squadron Three and their team who were so devastated on Anzac Day.  Our admiration for the Army was heightened by a special display for us of their capabilities, recently at Linton.

Opportunities have come up as a result of being in a smaller house during the refurbishment of the Wellington house.  ‘Government House Vogel’ has hosted the volunteers for the Cancer Society and students from schools.  GirlGuiding New Zealand came together at the Auckland Government House pavilion at the end of their national conference this year.

In this five year journey which is nearly four-fifths over, we have had a privileged view of New Zealand, its people, the change of Government and excellent contributors.  We have travelled, been the focus of state welcomes - which can take many forms, seen much of the Olympic Games and visited the Queen, the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon and other world leaders.  We have been up at dawn, late to bed, endured unbearable heat and shivered on mountaintops.  The Government House team cherishes those in the role – and we admire them enormously.  The position of the Governor-General is said to be that of custodian of the mana of New Zealand.  It is a real honour and one that no one could expect.

Recently, I have had the help of a Personal Assistant, Amanda Smith who is here today.  We are pro-active in seeking things that I can do usefully.  Never having had such help before, I am very appreciative of the support that she brings.

Before Amanda was employed last year the potential of my role was overlooked to an extent but she is able to contact people directly and keep in touch with organisations constructively as well as steering my course through many distractions.

May I congratulate you on your dedication to supporting a leader in your organisation.  Your boss is invited by your loyalty to respond in kind and I’m sure that many do.  You all obviously play your part showing skills and character that you need in this supporting role.