Speech
Carterton Community Service - Balloon Tragedy
Tihe mauri ora!
Aku mihi tuatahi,
Ki a rātou te hunga mate,
I tangohia e tēnei atua pouri,
Moe mai koutou i roto i te Ariki.
Tuarua, aku mihi aroha,
Ki ngā whānau o rātou mā,
Me tātou e huitahi nei,
Tēnā tātou katoa.
My first greeting is to those deceased
Whose lives were taken by this sad accident
Sleep in the hands of the Lord.
Second, my loving greetings
To the families of those lost,
And us all gathered,
Greetings to us all.
I specifically acknowledge: Rt Hon John Key, Prime Minister - tēnā koe; David Shearer, Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition- tēnā koe; John Hayes, member of Parliament for Wairarapa - tēnā koe; Your Worship Ron Mark, Mayor of Carterton - tēnā koe; Commissioner Peter Marshall of the New Zealand Police - tēnā koe; Rev. Jenny Chalmers, Vicar of St Mark’s Church - tēnā koe; Rev. Hariata Tahana and Rev. Mihi Namana, from Te Hurunui o Rangi marae - tēnā korua.
Today we gather to remember those whose lives were taken far too soon and to support the family and friends who lost their loved ones. Today we gather to pay our respects to the eleven souls departed. Today we also gather to thank the many people that assisted in a time of great need.
On a calm, clear morning on 7 January, a hot air balloon rose above Carterton carrying 4 couples and two cousins, all strangers to one another, and the pilot. A familiar sight to many in Carterton soon took a tragic turn, as many witnessed the horrifying scene of that flight’s catastrophic end, which so cruelly took the lives of the eleven on-board.
Tragedies such as this can never be prepared for. Words will never be enough to describe what was seen, and how deeply it has affected this community.
Though the circumstances were tragic, your strength as a community became your greatest asset. As Governor-General, and representative of all New Zealanders, I want to acknowledge again the resounding strength of our country’s many communities. During the past six months I have seen many examples of New Zealanders supporting each other with care, empathy and selflessness.
The Carterton community rapidly responded to the tragedy that occurred on 7 January. I want to particularly acknowledge those who were the first to respond. To the paramedics, the balloon ground crew, the firefighters, the police, the nearby local residents and victim support – I offer my sincere thanks.
While the memories of that day will long linger, your selfless service will not be forgotten. The wider community, however, was also affected, including the family and friends of those who responded, and those who died. This service should act as part of the healing process.
As we gather today to reflect on this tragedy, I urge everyone to come together, to support each other and to draw on this community’s strength and resilience as you move forward.
To close, I would like to recite an old Irish blessing that seems particularly appropriate at this time.
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be ever at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand
Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.