E ngā rau rangatira mā, e huihui mai nei i tēnei wā, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai rā ki Te Whare o te Kawana Tinara o Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
I wish to begin by specifically acknowledging: Thor Gudjonsson, Deputy Public Service Commissioner; Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae, Chief Executive, Ministry for Culture and Heritage; Gráinne Moss, Chief Executive, Ministry for Regulation; Rauru Kirikiri, Kaihautū to the Public Service Commissioner.
And of course, a very warm welcome to this year’s Public Service Day Award recipients, your colleagues, and family members who join you today. Tēnā koutou katoa.
The Public Service is a diverse career path often at odds with the view of shiny shoes from Wellington, but is one always taken by those who feel a deep sense of commitment to this country and its people. You have chosen a path which allows you to express your deep care for New Zealanders, serving them with compassion, integrity, and transparency. Ranging from lawyers, to data analysts, to fire safety educators, and biodiversity advisors among many other roles, public servants work across a range of highly skilled and specialised areas. What you share is your desire to use your expertise for the benefit of New Zealanders in your chosen field.
We are fortunate to have a public service made up of many high-performing individuals such as yourselves, who are committed to positive outcomes for your fellow New Zealanders. Your work largely happens far from public view but is always underpinned by the guiding principle of improving the lives of those you serve. It is this unseen and selfless effort – without desire for public recognition – which makes today’s awards particularly meaningful.
Conferring this award upon today’s recipients speaks to an extraordinary level of service as recognised by your peers. You have each been identified by virtue of your aspiration, not to stand out, but to fulfil your duties above and beyond what is expected, and to lift others up in doing so.
Your work ethic and impartiality, as well as your diverse backgrounds and abilities, all contribute to better outcomes. These qualities are particularly relevant this week as we look towards Saturday’s general election. As public servants, you must balance this role with the role we all have as citizens in a healthy democracy: regardless of personal beliefs, to continue to act without fear or favour in the service of the Government of the day, and to continuously uphold the public trust placed in you.
Throughout my career, including in my role as Children’s Commissioner, I have been fortunate to work alongside many knowledgeable and talented public servants – and as Governor-General, I witness many who fulfil their role with enormous skill and agility. Your work is integral to the strength and stability of New Zealand’s democratic system.
Over the past six years in this role, I have presided over many investiture ceremonies which recognise New Zealanders from all walks of life – from healthcare professionals, to artists, coaches, and lifelong volunteers. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they are connected by their heartfelt belief in service beyond self. As representative of His Majesty the King, I am proud to be able to pay homage to those who so seldom receive recognition, but so richly deserve it. As I present you with your insignia today – joining them as esteemed members of the New Zealand Royal Honours system – I know it is this same altruistic spirit that informs your work.
The late Jane Goodall once said, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” How fortunate we are that you have all chosen to make a difference through our public service. New Zealand is strengthened by the knowledge, skills, and principles you bring each day to your work. As Governor-General, my warmest congratulations on your achievements, and my heartfelt thanks, once again, for your outstanding service to your departments, your colleagues, and the people of New Zealand.
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā rā tātou katoa.