Speech
APO Summer Matinee
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 afternoon (Sign)
May I specifically greet you: Rosanne Meo and Barbara Glaser, Chair and Chief Executive respectively of the Auckland Philharmonia; Conductor Kenneth Young and members of the Orchestra; newly arrived Musical Director Eckehard Stier; soloists Helen Medlyn, Simon O'Neill and Dimitri Atanassov; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.
Welcome to Government House Auckland for this, the Auckland Philarmonia's 26th Summer Matinee.
It is a particular pleasure to welcome the APO back to Government House Auckland where it had held its annual summer concerts from 1983 until the House was closed for a major renovation project in 2005.
I believe both the APO and Government House share much in common in that they are key cultural assets for the city of Auckland.
Since it was founded about 30 years ago, the APO has established itself as a professional symphony orchestra with a reputation for excellence, engagement and innovation. I am told that each year, it performs to more than 50,000 Aucklanders.
Likewise, since the family of Sir Frank and Lady Mappin generously donated this House and its grounds to the Queen for use as a Royal and Vice-Regal residence in 1962, it has increasingly come to be recognised as an icon of the city.
Many of the trees on the property date from the 1870s and not surprisingly, it has been recognised by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture as a garden of national significance. It is a rare survivor from an era when a number of city homes had large landscaped gardens.
Many people now visit here, either for the annual open day for the gardens, to attend one of the many ceremonies and receptions that can be held since completion of the construction of the Pavilion in 2006.
Given it is Valentine's Day, it seems appropriate that much of the music we are to hear this afternoon has a romantic theme. The musical items and the songs are many and varied and I am sure we will be treated to afternoon of excellent entertainment.
Given also that it is summer and that today is about romance, I am reminded of an old Swedish proverb. As many of you may know, in the north of Sweden, in height of winter daylight lasts for only a couple of hours before night returns, so Swedish people particularly look forward to summer. The proverb appropriately notes that: "A life without love is like a year without summer."
Welcome again to Government House Auckland and to the APO's Summer Matinee.
And on that note, I will close in New Zealand's first language Maori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.