Lyttelton Schools Visit

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.   Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the morning (Sign)

I then specifically great you: Craig McGuigan and John Thawley, Chair of the Board of Trustees and Principal respectively of Lyttelton Main School; Anna Thorpe and Jeremy Orcy, Chair of the Board of Trustees and Deputy Principal respectively of Lyttelton West School; Hon David Carter, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Biosecurity and Minister of Forestry; Hon Ruth Dyson, Member of Parliament for Port Hills; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen; Boys and Girls.

Thank you for the wonderful welcome we have just received. It is with great pleasure that Susan and I have the opportunity to visit Lyttelton. It is wonderful to have such a well attended gathering and we thank you for taking time out from schooling to be here.

It is also a good opportunity to recognise that the 4 September and 22 February earthquakes have directly affected each person here. I am sure that you all would have felt both of those earthquakes, and especially the one on 22 February, given that its epicentre was very close by.

You have all been very brave in dealing with the frightening feeling of the ground moving and shaking beneath you. The people of Christchurch and Canterbury have continuously been in our thoughts and as such, we have visited the region more than five times to support and encourage the community since it all began.

I would now like to speak to you about the role I undertake as Governor-General and about the importance of education.

We have brought a healthy supply of a Government House publication that explains a little of my role which you are all welcome to take. 

I am sure that you may know that New Zealand is a monarchy, which means that our Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II.  Because she is in London, she needs someone based in New Zealand to represent her.  That person is the Governor-General.

New Zealand is also a democracy.  That means that the people of New Zealand elect their Members of Parliament.  An important role of the Governor-General is to appoint the Prime Minister after an election.

Then there are other legal items.  When the Government in Parliament passes laws, the Governor-General signs them in the name of the Queen so they can become part of New Zealand’s laws. 

The Governor-General also signs other important documents appointing people to be Judges and Heads of Government Departments.   All of these legal things are called the Governor-General’s constitutional role. 

The second part of the role is ceremonial. This means that the Governor-General represents the country at important public ceremonies such as Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day events. 

The third part of the role is to do with community leadership.  This means visiting people and places throughout New Zealand and seeing things that people have done well.  This community role is the part of my job that keeps us very busy. It is also that part of the job which keeps us in touch with so many New Zealanders.

And it is what has brought us to Lyttelton and, in particular, to your schools.   We see it as a key part of the Governor-General role to emphasise those things that positively unite us as New Zealanders rather than those things that divide us.

Education is such an important part of that.  Your teachers are not only giving you the skills to read, write and do long division, but how to understand the world around you. 

In particular, if I could stress one thing to you, it would be to read, read and read.   Never stop reading.  If sport keeps the body fit, it is reading that keeps your brain fit and healthy.

The values you learn at school are important not only in your school years but throughout your life. Whatever you aspire to be, and wherever your career takes you, the good values you learn, will always be essential. Those values include honesty, integrity, compassion and courage and are the building blocks of great leaders.

Some of you will become leaders. This is a wonderful challenge for every person here. You do not necessarily need to be the most talented person, or the smartest person to become a great leader. A key quality of leadership is the ability to motivate others and to engage and encourage your peers. It is the duty of a leader to empower those around them, rather than to tell them what to do.

And on that note of encouragement and anticipation on the good things that each one of your will contribute to your community and New Zealand, I will close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours. 

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.