Read This Building exhibition opening

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 evening (Sign)

May I specifically greet you: Errol Clark, representing the Chair of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust; Bruce Chapman and Priscilla Pitts, the Trust's Chief Executive and General Manager Heritage Destinations respectively, Sam Jackson, Kaumatua, Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

It has been with pleasure that my wife Susan and I have accepted the invitation to attend the opening of the Read This Building Exhibition here at Old St Paul's this evening.

As Patron of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust I have been asked to formally open this exhibition, and just before I do I would like to say a little about the significance of this historic place.

One hundred and forty-four years ago this Friday, my predecessor in office, Governor Sir George Grey laid the foundation stone for Old St Paul's.  It was consecrated by the Bishop Charles Abraham, the first Bishop of Wellington, in June the following year.  From the 1860's until today, Old St Paul's has been an integral part of Wellington.

The Read This Building exhibition I have the privilege of opening today, traces the history of Old St Paul's and the surrounding land - from pre-European times to the present.  It contains many fascinating stories reflecting some of the people involved in the history of the church, and their influence upon shaping New Zealand.

The first service at Old St Paul's was held in 1866, the year after Wellington became the capital of New Zealand.  In that time it has been a meeting place of cultures, class, and both religious and community spirit.  

Old St Paul's was built within the original boundary of Pipitea Pā, a large village on the then-shore of Wellington harbour.  Pipitea Pā was kainga, that is, home for Te Matehou, a hapu of Te Atiawa.  It is pleasing this exhibition recognises these cultural and spiritual layers as they are an integral part of the site's heritage.

Old St Paul's was built in the English Gothic style, the origins of which date back to the Middle Ages.  Even so, it has uniquely New Zealand characteristics.  That it was built of wood is testimony to the visionary thinking of architect and parish priest, Rev Frederick Thatcher.  Coincidentally, in the multitasking common in early colonial times, Thatcher spent some time as private secretary to Governor Grey.  Thatcher, as architect of here, opted for the availability and flexibility of wood to counter the threat of earthquakes.  Wellington had suffered a massive earthquake only a decade earlier in 1855, changing significantly the nascent city's landscape.

Surrounding us in Old St Paul's is architecture of considerable beauty.  There is crafted rimu, matai, totara and kauri that has created a striking heritage landmark that has more than just stood the test of time.  It makes for a spiritual connection befitting a place of continued service as a place of worship.

It is perhaps appropriate, then, that in the 1960s Old St Paul's became a focal point that led to a shift in public perception on the significance and importance of heritage for our country.  Its closure, and threat of demolition, galvanised the community, bringing it together much as the church founders had originally intended.

As the architect Jack Beere wrote in a plea for the building's preservation, Old St Paul's not only had architectural merit, but it also fulfilled a real need.  He wrote:  "St. Paul's still fulfils its role. There is a peace here which only old churches have acquired."

And while Wellington has sadly lost a number of heritage buildings, that spirit continues to be strong - as was evidenced a few years later when a campaign was successfully launched to save the Hunter Building at Victoria University when it too was threatened with demolition.

As the exhibition notes, this building is like a book and, hence, the relevance of the title, Read This Building.  Its stories are told in words but particularly in wood, brass and glass.  For example, one can see how times have changed in the video clip about the social importance of where people sat at Old St Paul's and how one might develop the ability to rent a better pew.  It is another example of how objects in a heritage setting tell the story of the place.  The theme is all the more apt with the original builders having, I understand, left their signatures within the walls, which is the topic in another of the video stories.

Old St Paul's also has a strong connection with State occasions.  For example, the funeral of Premier Richard Seddon was held here in 1906.  On a happier occasion, only this last Friday, the ceremony to redesignate more than 60 New Zealanders as Dames and Knights of the New Zealand Order of Merit was held here.

This city and our country are fortunate to have a heritage asset such as Old St Paul's.  Its history resonates with that of Wellington.  It was built for the community and the community, with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as its guardian, continues to protect it.  

As Patron of the Trust, it therefore gives me great pleasure to declare the Old St Paul's exhibition Read This Building open.

And on that note 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.