Rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa.
Thank you for the very warm welcome you’ve extended to me and Dr Davies here today. I’d like to specifically acknowledge: Your Worship Ms Sandra Hazlehurt, Mayor of Hastings; Your Worship Ms Kirsten Wise, Mayor of Napier; and Ms Kelly Annand, Deputy Mayor of Central Hawke’s Bay.
And to all of today’s very distinguished guests – my very warmest welcome to you all. Tēnā koutou katoa.
I won’t speak for too long, as I’m most looking forward to meeting all of you, and hearing about the work that you’ve done to support each other and your communities following Cyclone Gabrielle.
I know that the group here today represents a remarkable cross-section of those who responded following the cyclone: representatives from the Hastings, Napier, Central Hawke’s Bay District Councils; local iwi and hapū; Members of Parliament; Pacific communities, including regional seasonal workers; church and religious leaders; non-governmental organisations; FENZ representatives; voluntary first responders; as well as community leaders and organisers.
I acknowledge that the group gathered this evening is a sample of a much larger group – and that there are many across these communities, many unacknowledged, who contributed and sacrificed so much in the aid of each other.
In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, I’ve heard countless stories of exceptional selflessness, manaakitanga, courage, and whanaungatanga: whether it be first responders facing unknown and highly dangerous situations; families cooking and distributing meals on a huge scale; or groups coming together to offer a laundry service for those who need it.
Your work and actions not only saved lives in the wake of the cyclone, it also upheld the mana of this community. It is my greatest joy and honour as Governor-General to meet New Zealanders such as yourselves across the country, who do so much in the service of others.
The whakataukī says: ‘Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not far apart.’ Even in my short time here, I have already been struck and deeply moved by the profound togetherness of this community.
I know that for many of you here, the grief is still raw, and the work must at time feel endless. But I do see that the strength of the kotahitanga and the hope and the confidence are returning. I wish you all the very best as your continue in your vitally important work.
My sincerest thanks to you all once again for giving up your time to be here, for your warm welcome to your beautiful region, and for all that you’ve done and continue to do in support of each other.