E ngā rau rangatira mā, e huihui mai nei i tēnei wā, tēnei aku mihi nunui ki a koutou.
I’d like to begin by specifically acknowledging: His Worship The Honourable Dr Nick Smith, Mayor of Nelson; Fiona Wilson, Chief Executive of the Nelson Regional Development Agency; Paul Miller, Chief Executive of Kernohan Engineering; and Catherine McGrath, Chief Executive Officer of Westpac New Zealand. And to all distinguished guests here this afternoon – tēnā koutou katoa.
I am very pleased to be here in Whakatū Nelson today to celebrate the official opening of the Blue House – a significant achievement that I know will be a huge asset to this region, and which stands as a testament to the power of an ambitious shared vision, and effective collaboration across the public and private sectors.
I won’t speak for too long, but I do wish to acknowledge the key partners who have brought the Blue House to life: Westpac New Zealand, the Nelson Regional Development Agency, Kernohan Engineering, and the team at Moananui. Your leadership, expertise, and generosity have created a space that will undoubtedly set a benchmark for fostering innovation and collaboration in the blue economy in New Zealand.
As Governor-General, this occasion aligns well with some of my own key strategic objectives: of encouraging the application of expert knowledge, caring for our environment, and celebrating the ingenuity and achievements of New Zealanders.
In his Commonwealth Day message this year, His Majesty King Charles III said: ‘The stewardship of Nature, the protection of oceans and forests, and the pursuit of prosperity secured in harmony with the natural world are duties we owe not only to one another, but to generations yet unborn.’
His Majesty’s words resonate clearly with the spirit and intent of the Blue House – a place where our shared responsibility to care for our oceans and natural environment is seen, not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity for innovation.
My sincerest congratulations once again to all involved in this project. It will shortly be my pleasure to officially declare the Blue House open. May it long contribute to the wellbeing of the people and natural environment of this beautiful part of our country.
Kia ora e huihui mai tātou i tēnei wā.