Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled

For more photos of this event, please click here.

 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 greet you: Shona Belcher and Adrienne Manthel, President and Vice President respectively of Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled and your fellow Committee members; volunteers; Your Worship Wayne Guppy, Mayor of Upper Hutt; Your Worship David Ogden, Mayer of Lower Hutt; Chris Hipkins, Member of Parliament; those associated with the Special Olympics Team; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and me to be here at the official opening of Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled Association’s new building here in Silverstream.  We have just yesterday returned from a family trip to London to visit our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson so it is good to have our feet back on home ground.

At the outset, it seems important to mention a number of connections.   First, there is Lady Norma Beattie who is Vice-Patron of this Association and the widow of my predecessor, the Sir David Beattie.  Then, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, whom Susan and I have met on three occasions, who is International Patron of Riding for the Disabled Association.  Thirdly only three weeks ago I had the privilege of presenting Sir Peter Blake Awards to a small number of outstanding emerging leaders in our country.  One such was to the well-known disabled rider, Catriona Williams of Wairarapa.  Catriona who is a founder and trustee of the Catwalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust, dedicates a great deal of her time offering hope and encouragement to those who are embarking on a new life confined to a wheelchair.

In view of those connections, it really is a delight to be here to celebrate this important milestone with you all.

I have been asked to officially open this new building and just before doing so, would like to talk about the important work carried out by the Association.

The beginning of Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled Association’s story began, as many here will know well, in 1978, with rallies just a few kilometres down the road, at the Trentham Memorial Park before moving to the Wellington Racing Club, where riding took place in the car park.  I understand that the current land was purchased by the Association in 1995 and has since then, been its home.

Over the more than thirty years that the Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled Association has been active, a great deal has been achieved.  After reading some background on the Association, and the many achievements over its lifetime, I am deeply impressed with the dedication and commitment of the many volunteers who have contributed to its success.

Since taking on the Governor-General role in 2006, Susan and I have sought to emphasise the importance of volunteering in our country.  In essence, the spirit of volunteerism can be described as the “glue” that holds our society and economy together.  Many parts of our health, education and social service sectors might grind to a halt without the countless hours of voluntary work that many people provide.

The American writer, Helen Steiner Rice, described the value of volunteering very well when she wrote as follows: “In this troubled world, it's refreshing to find someone who still has the time to be kind. Someone who still has the faith to believe that the more you give, the more you receive. Someone who's ready by thought, word, or deed to reach out a hand, in the hour of need.”

The voluntary work that Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled Association carries out is to be hugely praised.  Caring for those most vulnerable in the community by giving them the opportunity to develop both physically and mentally through riding is both challenging and rewarding.  I therefore add congratulations and thanks to the Committee and more than 100 volunteers who donate their time and expertise to this cause.

I am told that this Association caters for more than 200 riders per year of all ages who are challenged with a variety of disabilities.  This may include those with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and spina bifida to name a few .

In looking out what I might say today, I was fascinated to learn the many benefits that horse riding can offer for riders with disabilities.  Those benefits include the development, improvement and promotion of balance and coordination, perception and spatial awareness, posture and muscle tone as well as communication and social skills.

When speaking of the value of riding I was also reminded of the way Winston Churchill famously described horses and horseriding by saying: “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” 

It does seem clear that alongside the physical benefits of riding, there are the psychological benefits which instil self-confidence, develop independence and improve decision making.

To provide these valuable services, facilities, suitable for the purpose are essential.  After years of planning and fundraising, the first and second stages of the Association’s building project are now complete.  With the first stage of an indoor arena, stalls, tack shed and mounting ramp completed in 2007 and now the second stage, comprising clubrooms, an office, kitchen , therapy room and toilet facilities, there is considerable cause for celebration. 

I therefore wish to thank the many people who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the dream of having an accessible, modern facility for Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled was realised.

And on that note of anticipation in the value that this new building will add to the lives of those who will use it, I will close – and in New Zealand’s first language Māori, 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.

As Governor-General, it gives me great pleasure to declare the new building housing Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled Association officially open.