Howard Kippenberger, Dauntless Spirit

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - English, Maori, Cook Island Maori, 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, Denis McLean, your family and supporters; representatives of the Kippenberger family; distinguished guests otherwise; ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you for the invitation for my wife Susan and I to be present this evening, to take part in the launch of Denis McLean's latest book Howard Kippenberger, Dauntless Spirit.   

A new book from a learned and perceptive writer, about a brave and principled subject, is very much a cause for celebration.   

As an enthusiastic reader and book club member I am confirmed in the view that -however practised people become at charting the tides of history - it is a well-told story of an individual exceptional man or woman that makes a very strong claim on readers.  These stories give us the clearest insights into the possibilities of human endeavor. 

The man known to a generation of New Zealanders by the name of 'Kip' is one of the heroes of the New Zealand narrative.  It was as a soldier that he made his mark, but his importance goes beyond a purely military contribution.  It seems to me very fitting that he is now the subject of what by reports to hand - is a very fine book. 

Denis McLean's book does justice to the man military historian Ian McGibbon calls New Zealand's greatest citizen-soldier.  This is a man born in Ladbrooks, near LincolnUniversity just south of Christchurch; who, as others have noted, served as a teenage volunteer in the First World War; took part in the battle of the Somme, and was later wounded and returned to New Zealand. 

He then trained as a lawyer leaving his law practice in Rangiora to serve with distinction in World War II, eventually to take command of the New Zealand Division.

Historian Glyn Harper, who has assessed Howard Kippenberger as a military commander, said of him that he 'became a symbol of New Zealand achievement'.  Certainly the story is both inspirational and an emblem of the courage and integrity of many New Zealanders who answered the call for service, and rose to the demands of war.

Kippenberger also rose to the demands of peace.  Before he died - prematurely, at 60, depriving the nation of contributions he might yet have made - he expertly guided the production of the Official War Histories, still the largest publication project in our country's history.  He was a popular president of the RSA, and someone who was willing to stand against the tide of public opinion on important issues. 

A striking example was that he spoke out against the 1949 All Black rugby tour of South Africa because the team had excluded Maori players.  The Dictionary of New Zealand Biography captures his thinking in the words: 'If Maori were good enough to represent New Zealand on the battlefields of the world, this representation should not be compromised on South Africa's rugby fields.' 

This was a, then, unpopular position taken by an honourable man, and though he lost that battle at the time, he remains remembered and respected for the stand he took. 

His whole life will be better known - and I want to suggest he will be all the better remembered and more respected - because of the existence of Howard Kippenberger, Dauntless Spirit.

In writing this book Denis has done New Zealanders a great service, for which I would like to add thanks.  Denis has himself in his time, in a number of capacities, made significant contributions to the well-being of our country.  We can be gratified that you have furthered that contribution by committing to produce this work.

I would like to register thanks to the Kippenberger family for allowing Denis access to the personal letters and diaries that elucidate this story.  In making these papers available you have ensured that the author has been in a position to capture the essence of the man - thus honouring both Sir Howard and readers of the book.

There is another Kippenberger connection to be registered this evening that he was a member of the Wellington Club where we gather tonight.  So too, indeed, is Denis, as am I. 

Word has it that Sir Howard left his billiards cue to the Wellington Club.  Denis, it seems to me, has picked a cue and with this book has made a pot-red such as would have pleased the book's subject greatly.

In conclusion, I would like to close with a quote from Francois, Duc de La Rochefoucauld, for whose aphorisms I know Denis has a liking for.  Duc de La Rochefoucauld made a comment that I think sums up Howard Kippenberger well, when he said, "The glory of a great man ought always to be estimated by the means used to acquire it." 

Kippenberger was fascinated by military strategy, but he never glorified war nor forgot the lives that were lost in the pursuit of victory.  He took stands on issues that often put him at odds with the prevailing orthodoxy.  He was a great man who garnered that reputation not by walking over others, but rather by honourable means.

May I finish by wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours.  No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa. 

I am now very pleased to formally launch Howard Kippenberger, Dauntless Spirit.