Hamilton Civic reception

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 late afternoon and the sun is setting (Sign).

May I specifically greet you: Your Worship Bob Simcock, Mayor of Hamilton, and your fellow councillors and staff; Your Worship Peter Harris, Mayor of Waikato District; and Your Worship Hugh Vercoe, Mayor of Matamata-Piako District; Representatives from the Waikato's business, agricultural, health, local government, education and community sectors; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

My wife Susan and I thank you for the invitation to attend this civic reception here in the Hamilton City Council Chambers.

Firstly, I wish thank Mayor Simcock for your welcome.   While this is my first formal visit to the region since being sworn in as Governor-General in August 2006, it is not the first time I have visited this beautiful part of the country.

As well as representing local people as a lawyer and undertaking jury trials while on circuit as a Judge, I also had considerable dealings with the area's central and local government agencies when serving as an Ombudsman. 

Since my appointment, we have also made a number of short visits, visiting Cambridge for the centenary of the VictoriaBridge, and Ngauawahia for the Koroneihana celebrations for King Tuheitia at Turangawaewae Marae, and Hamilton for the placement of the 5.5-inch Vintage Artillery Gun.

In now approaching two years in office, I have travelled to many parts of New Zealand and have met many of the people who make this nation so special and who are the key to our country's considerable measure of success.  Celebrating the achievements of New Zealanders is a key aspect of the Governor-General role that provides much pride and it is a privilege for my wife Susan and I to be asked to participate. 

Our visit began this morning by opening Te Totara Primary School in northern Hamilton.  While the roll there is currently small, the school's projected growth speaks volumes of how this city and its region are growing.

Tomorrow we will meet Ngati Wairere at Hukanui Marae in Gordonton before officially opening the 40^th New Zealand National Fieldays at Mystery Creek.  Later in the day we will also visit the Maungatautari Ecological Reserve.

The growth of the Fieldays into one of the largest events of its type in the world speaks volumes of how important the agriculture sector is to New Zealand.  The event itself is also of great significance to the local economy and is a tribute to the vision of those who promoted and pushed it from the start.  This region is, in other ways, gaining a reputation for holding large events, having, for example, successfully hosted the recent

On Thursday we will tour the premises of Kaimai Cheese in Waharoa and a large dairy farm before heading to Morrinsville, which recently celebrated its centenary, and Te Aroha, where we will visit the local RSA.

Our visit will conclude on Friday with visiting the facilities and athletes at LakeKarapiro before returning to the city to meet the firefighters at the Hamilton Fire Station.

All these visits shed light on a number of aspects of contemporary New Zealand.  It notes the strength of our agriculture sector and particularly the dairy industry.

It points to the resurgence and growing confidence of Maoridom as the legitimate grievances of the past are settled.

It emphasises the prowess of our athletes and sportspeople and our hopes for the Beijing Olympics.

It highlights the importance of preserving our natural environment while progressing our economy.

It stresses the importance of education to our long-term success.

And most importantly, it pinpoints the importance of those who serve our community, whether they are elected representatives, firefighters or volunteers in local community groups.

And on that note, I will I close in Maori offering greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.