Speech
GirlGuiding New Zealand
To Sonia Faulkner, National President and the board members, Ruth Teasdale, Chief Executive and the staff members, to Life Members, to GirlGuides present and to all supporters of GirlGuiding New Zealand - tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa, good morning.
Thank you for inviting me to address the 2011 Annual General Meeting as Patron of GirlGuiding New Zealand for the last time. It was a privilege to be present for the last three Annual General Meetings.
On Anzac day last month I attended the Dawn Service and Civic Parade in Taupo. There we learned that the regions Brownies, Pippins, and Guides had spent Sunday afternoon making flower posies to place on the graves of war veterans. With help, we arranged to join them at the cemetery. I believe it is done in other towns and cities, honouring those who fought for us.
I feel sure that a lot of the time at conference has been aimed at recovering from the earthquake in Christchurch because of the head office being unusable. By moving staff and resources to a temporary location in Cracroft you are able to continue the services you run from head office.
I commend the leadership of GirlGuiding New Zealand, in ‘keeping calm and carrying on’ which shows determination and your strength of character. Knowing there was personal loss and difficulties your actions make you models to girls.
That strength is expressed in an anonymous quote:
“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”
My heartfelt praise goes to Sonia Faulkner and your board, and to Ruth Teasdale and your staff for providing that leadership and dedication.
In spite of everything, you are counting down the days to Jamboree 2012. Your website homepage shows there are seven and a half months until Jamboree 2011.
This will be such a wonderful time for all the regions to come together for friendship, fun and adventure – that which GirlGuiding New Zealand is famous for. After visiting Jamboree 2008, I know that next year’s will be perfectly organised and that the 2 300 girls attending will be challenged and encouraged. They will go home with extra confidence, skills and friends acquired during the exciting week GirlGuiding. Good on you for making it happen.
I have gained from my association with GirlGuiding New Zealand in many ways. Thank you for the friendship and your patience in teaching me about the organisation. Thank you for inspiring me in the way you work for the good of GirlGuiding. Thank you for the honour of acknowledging your best and brightest Queen Guides. This five years is a great privilege that I will remember for the rest of my life. Thank you again.
No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.