Cantonese Opera Society fundraising concert

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni.

Specifically to: Audrey Chan, President of the Cantonese Opera Society of New Zealand and Mr Peter Chan; Peter Chan, the Society's Fundraising Committee Chairman; Your Worship, Dick Hubbard, Mayor of Auckland and Mrs Diana Hubbard; Pru Etcheverry, Executive Director of the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation; Society members and performers; Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:  To you all I say: Ni Hao.

I am Patron of the Cantonese Opera Society of New Zealand and I would like to thank you for the opportunity to speak at the opening of the Society's fundraising event.

I accepted with pleasure the invitation to be the Society's first Patron for several reasons:

New Zealand is becoming increasingly diverse in its ethnic makeup.  In Auckland, for example, the last Census revealed that about forty five per cent of citizens identified as Asian, Pacific Islander or Maori.  Almost a quarter of all the people usually living in New Zealand last year were born overseas—a significant increase in the last five years.

This increasing diversity enriches our social and cultural mix.  It also poses challenges as different people with different values and backgrounds come to grips with understanding each other.  For those new to this country, integrating into a new society, while holding strong to key social and religious tenets, can be difficult.

Art can be a window into a person's soul.  I believe art, in whatever form, can also be a window into the heart of another culture—a way of understanding another group's values, humour and history.  Enjoying the arts, like opera, helps people to feel more at home and helps to integrate cultures, so enriching our wonderful country.

In addition to the financial gifts to deserving charities, the Society has gifted much more to our beautiful country—it has given us all a window into Chinese art and culture.

For all these reasons, I congratulate the Society and all those involved in organising and supporting tonight's production.

Many years ago as I child I attended Classical Chinese Opera with my family.  The memory has enchanted me ever since.  I am sure that we will be treated to an equally memorable show.

May I close in Maori issuing greetings and wishing you good health and strength in your endeavours.

No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.