Surf Life Saving Media Awards

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 evening (Sign).

I then specifically greet you: Bob Harvey, Graeme Cullen, and Pat Waite, President, Chair and  Interim Chief Executive respectively of Surf Life Saving New Zealand; Mike McGuinness, Managing Director of BP; award recipients; family and friends; supporters; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

It is with great pleasure that Susan and I welcome you all to Government House in Auckland for this Surf Life Saving New Zealand 2011 BP Surf Rescue Media Awards ceremony and reception.

In a short time I look forward to presenting the Rescue and Life Guard of the Year Awards.  Before doing so, however, I would like to reflect on the time where we have served as joint patrons of this wonderful organisation and the considerable contribution it has made in the course of the last century.

At the outset it is appropriate to mention that in September last year, Susan and I attended a dinner that was the beginning of this organisation’s centenary celebrations.  Those celebrations have commemorated one hundred years of the dedication and leadership of the men and women who have served our community, preventing drowning and injury and keeping New Zealand’s coastline safe.  It is therefore a distinct pleasure to host this event which marks the end of those celebrations and the beginning of the next century of service.

There are three areas of service that Surf Life Saving New Zealand provides to New Zealanders.

The first, and most obvious, is the many thousands of hours of beach patrols provided every year on New Zealand’s beaches.  Our country has some 15,000 km of coastline and most people live within an hour’s drive of the sea.  This nation holds a particular affection for outdoor recreation with a wide variety of options available to us.  During the summer months, there is no more iconic Kiwi holiday than spending it at the beach.

One of New Zealand’s foremost literary figures, C.K. Stead, aptly described that affection and said: “Each of us has a piece of New Zealand we regard as ‘ours’ – not the part of it we occupy but some remote beach or farm, mountain or bush reserve, the place perhaps where we were happiest on holidays as children and to which we dream of retiring in old age.”

If there is one popular place people dream of retiring to, it is often to a beach.  Protecting New Zealanders and visitors to our shores from the perils of New Zealand’s wonderful, but wild surrounding oceans is an incredibly important duty. In researching the number of patrolled locations, with the northern-most Apihara Beach patrol, down to the southern-most Oreti Beach patrol, I counted more than 80 beaches where Surf Life Saving New Zealand extends its reach.

In that regard it is appropriate to recognise and praise the enormous amount of work, both paid and voluntary, that is required to provide this service.

The second area of service which is important to highlight, is the educational programme and resources that Surf Life Saving New Zealand makes available. I understand that the “hands-on” ‘Beach Education programme’, where school children spend the day at the beach, taking part in both theoretical and practical activities, involves more than 40,000 school children each year from more than 450 primary and intermediate schools. 

Additionally I understand the ‘Surf to School’ programme which involves sending a Surf Lifeguard into schools as an alternative, is available to schools in the wider Auckland and Northland areas.  Furthermore, the classroom resources available on the website are a wonderful addition to the suite of educational resources on offer.

Teaching young children about the importance of beach safety is fundamental to their safety and well-being when they next visit the beach.  In that regard I thank Surf Life Saving New Zealand for the valuable education opportunities they provide.

The third area of service is in the sporting realm.  In February last year Susan and I attended the Southern Ocean Athletes Competition and it was pleasing to see the competitive element of surf lifesaving, as a sport.  It is not only an opportunity for young people to enjoy the fierce yet friendly competition, but it also focuses on the development of upcoming leaders of the surf life saving movement.

To conclude, I would like to acknowledge the media, particularly those who will receive awards in a short time, for the support and contribution they have made over the past year. Reporting and publicising the work and messages of Surf Life Saving New Zealand contributes significantly to public understanding and knowledge of beach safety. The flow on effect is, of course, safer beaches and safer New Zealanders and foreign visitors.

Finally, it is important to acknowledge the toll that the earthquake took on the Christchurch clubs, and their members and staff. We were saddened to learn of the loss of the Sumner Surf Life Saving Club and the destruction to other clubs and the Christchurch office. Many members were involved in relief, rescue and first aid efforts at the time of the quake, testament to the community spirit of lifeguards.

As our patronage comes to an end 28 days’ time when our tenure in Government House concludes, we wish to thank everyone involved in New Zealand’s Surf Life Saving movement for their outstanding contribution and commitment.  We wish you all the very best for what promises to be a great second century for Surf Life Saving.

And on that note, I will close in New Zealand’s first language, 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.