E nga rau rangatira mā, e huihui mai nei i tēnei po, tēnei aku mihi nunui ki a koutou. Kia ora tatou katoa.
I’d like to specifically acknowledge: Richard Stone, Life Flight Chair; Mark Johnston, Life Flight Chief Executive; Clive Button, Life Flight Volunteer Ambassador and son of Peter Button, Life Flight Founder; Beryl Worth, Wife of Life Flight Founder, Dr Russell Worth; Bill Day, Life Flight Ambassador and Life Member.
It is a great privilege to serve as patron of Life Flight and I am proud to continue to offer the hand of friendship and support that was originally extended by my predecessor, Sir Paul Reeves. Sir Paul’s patronage was established under the most tragic of circumstances - as a way to support the trust after the passing of your founder Peter Button. I am certain that every flight taken, and every patient attended to by Life Flight proudly carries the legacy of Peter.
It was another tragedy that inspired Peter to take to the skies to save lives – the sinking of the Wahine. It is an honour to the memory of those lost in that disaster that tens of thousands of lives have been saved by the subsequent founding of Life Flight.
Life Flight has been a gift to so many New Zealanders who have benefitted from its service. When I think of Peter’s bravery and his willingness to help others, I am reminded of the whakataukī: Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua – those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead. Those who have and continue to dedicate their time and skills to Life Flight build upon and augment Peter’s vision.
I recognise that one in five Life Flights is for a baby or child in urgent need of medical care. Your preparedness to assist our most vulnerable has rightly earned the trust of thousands. I have no doubt that many New Zealanders can credit their survival to your life-saving service.
After 50 years in our skies, most New Zealanders will recognise the bright red livery and have become familiar with the sound of the rotors and engines that means help is on the way. Having lived for the past five years next door to the hospital, it’s a sound I am now familiar with! However, each time I hear that helicopter coming in to land, I am reassured that the patient on board is in the best hands.
Life Flight’s service has taken on a personal meaning for us at Government House in recent months. Last year, one of our staff members was rescued by the Westpac Helicopter Crew after a tramping accident. Thankfully, it was mere days after the new Airbus H145 Helicopter had gone into service and its increased power made it possible to locate and care for our staff member in challenging conditions.
This vital service you provide to not only Government House staff, but all New Zealanders, is not possible without the skilful expertise of the pilots, paramedics and crews aboard each Life Flight aircraft. Your ability to undertake difficult tasks, often in extremely precarious situations, with such skill and composure is exceptional and to be commended.
As a not-for-profit organisation, the role of your volunteers is integral to maintaining this valuable service. Those who choose to give their time so generously in the service of others contribute greatly to your success.
As Governor-General, thank you once again for all you do for our communities throughout the country. I am extremely proud to serve as patron of an organisation which has had such an indelible impact on the lives of those who need you most. I wish you all the very best for your future.
Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.