Kia ora koutou
It is an honour to be here today to commemorate the 109th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the SS Otaki. Today, we pay tribute to all who have bravely served our country and remember those who never came home.
I join the Principal in acknowledging the passing of Mr Sydney Wells and Mr Jarrad Porima - Kua heke te rā | The sun has set.
Among the many distinguished guests here today, I would like to specifically acknowledge: Tim Costley, MP for Ōtaki; Her Worship Janet Holborow, Mayor of the Kapiti Coast District; Barbara Rudd, Ngā Hapu o Ōtaki; Derek Whitwam, President, Arctic Convoy Club New Zealand.
As the Principal mentioned, the theme for this year’s ceremony is ‘Women at sea in war.’ It is a most appropriate theme for a number of reasons - not only for the insights it provides into women at sea in war, but also noting that yesterday marked ‘International Women’s Day’, the day that each year celebrates the achievements of women in New Zealand and around the world.
On the magnificent SS Otaki Memorial in front of you, is written the whakataukī:
He toa taumata rau | The many resting places of courage.
The two stories you will hear following my address prove the deep truth of those words. Everyday people don’t go out in search of opportunities to be courageous - more often than not they will find courage when circumstances demand they do – whether it be in peace or in war. In my own work as a GP to vulnerable communities I am often profoundly struck by the quiet courage of people I meet and serve.
In one of today’s readings, you will hear about Second Engineer Victoria Drummond who, through great ambition and skill, forged a pioneering career at sea and paved the way for women to follow.
The other story tells of the inimitable courage of New Zealand nurses in World War One – of the ‘endurance, anguish, sacrifice and courage’ that accompanied the sinking of the Marquette in 1915. The image of nurses giving up their life belts to save others - though it would certainly seal their own fate - lingers long in the mind. One cannot help wondering if we would all have the same courage when faced with such a situation.
Although the stories you will hear today happened many years ago, and to women whose lives we may struggle to imagine - the strength of their character, the ambitions they held, and the challenges they faced remain relevant to us all. I believe we can take great strength and inspiration from their courage in the face of the unknown.
I was heartened to learn of the Ōtaki College Values – Whakaute|Respect, Rangatira Te Tū| Ōtaki College Pride, Ākonga kamakama| Active Learning, and Kawenga |Responsibility. To the students of Ōtaki College here today - regardless which path in life you choose to take, I trust that these values and the values you’ll hear about in today’s readings will continue to guide you.
For those of you who are contemplating a career in medicine or engineering, I hope you will remember the daring Second Engineer Victoria Drummond and the gallant nurses of the Marquette as you embark on your future endeavours – and I wish you all the very best wherever your futures may lead.
Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.