Tongan Dinner

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in 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) and in the context of this evening's gathering may I add the greeting: Malo e lelei.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is with pleasure that my wife Susan and I welcome you to Government House in Auckland this evening for this dinner prior to our forthcoming trip to Tonga for the coronation celebrations.

I would like to use this opportunity to briefly touch on New Zealand's relationship with Tonga and our forthcoming visit.

In constitutional monarchies such as Tonga and New Zealand, coronations are by their nature, bitter-sweet gatherings.  Tongans will be looking forward to the future as they celebrate the coronation of the new king, His Majesty, King George Tupou V next month.

But they will also be mindful as is proper of the passing of his father, His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, who had given much service and leadership to the country and the Pacific in the more than 40 years that he was king. Indeed, attending his funeral in September 2006 was my first ceremonial duty outside New Zealand as Governor-General.

The king's death occurred at a time when a number of long-time leaders of the Pacific have passed on. I instance His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, Head of State of Samoa, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the Maori Queen, Sir Tom Davis, former long-time Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Rt Hon David Lange, former Prime Minister of New Zealand.  All were held in great respect both at home and abroad and particularly in the Pacific.  Their leadership and guidance will be missed by many.

New Zealand's relationship with Tonga goes back many years. The strong and friendly relations between our two countries are underpinned by a shared Polynesian heritage and extensive people-to-people linkages.  As people here will know, many Tongan leaders are New Zealand-educated.  Prime Minister Sevele, for example, was awarded the inaugural 1967 Coronation scholarship to New Zealand (where he attended the University of Canterbury).

Longstanding migration has resulted in a significant Tongan population in New Zealand.  The 2006 Census revealed that of the more than 260,000 New Zealanders of Pacific descent, more than 50,000 are of Tongan descent, the third largest group after those from Samoa and the Cook Islands. 

Like other Pacific peoples in New Zealand, Tongans living here are a young people, with an median age of just 18.6 years compared with the median age of the total population of almost 36 years.  Even so, they have contributed much to New Zealand and added to the rich tapestry of our nation's increasingly diverse population, enriching our economy, society and culture. 

Last year, I opened a major exhibition at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Tangata o le Moana, which celebrates the contribution of all those from the Pacific who have travelled to New Zealand.  It is quite fitting then, to note that as one enters the exhibition through a sculptural work by acclaimed Tongan-born artist, Filipe Tohi.

Of course, New Zealanders of Tongan descent have given much to New Zealand sport and particularly to New Zealand rugby, with names such as All Black and Auckland provincial captain Sam Tuitupou quickly springing to mind. So fearless and powerful was his tackling that he was dubbed the "Tongan torpedo".

Others who have contributed to the community in New Zealand include people I have honoured at investitures in the last two years.  They include, for example, the Reverend 'Epeli Taungapeau, who I had the pleasure of conferring the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit at a ceremony at Government House Auckland in April.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Tonga has a proud history that stretches back thousands of years.  It was the only Pacific nation that was not colonised by a European power and has retained its traditional ways and customs, of which it is rightfully proud.

On the international stage, since the end of the British protectorate, it has maintained friendly relations with many nations, becoming a full member of the Commonwealth in 1970 and joining the United Nations in 1999.  Tonga is a foundation member of the Pacific Islands Forum and is a strong participant in a number of other regional and international programmes.

The family of Tonga, both in New Zealand and at home, faces many challenges.  Centuries ago, Tonga was one of the major staging points in the remarkable story of Polynesian conquest of the Pacific.

The people of Tonga are now on a new journey that will be no less challenging.  For those in Tonga, there are the challenges of rebuilding after the riots of November 2006 and undertaking democratic reform.

The 1875 Constitution was ahead of its time in terms of the freedoms and rights it granted to the Tongan people.  But times change. 

The New Zealand Government supports peaceful democratic reform in Tonga. Along with Australia, New Zealand has financially supported the work of the National Committee for Political Reform.  We have also supported the Tongan Crown Law Department and the Tongan police and New Zealand continues to support Tonga where needed.

New Zealand, however, has also consistently taken the stance that, as a sovereign nation, the pace and timing of reform must be determined by the people of Tonga. 

For those of the Tongan family living in New Zealand there are also many challenges.  It is important to ensure your voice is heard alongside those of other Pacific peoples, Maori, Pakeha, and others from around the globe that call New Zealand home.

While looking to the future, it is important to hold fast to the traditions and language of your Tongan forefathers and mothers and to be proud of your ancestry, your heritage, your language and your culture.

For all these reasons, my wife Susan and I are very much looking forward to our visit to Tonga and to attend the coronation celebrations.

I trust you enjoy the hospitality of this House this evening.  And on that note, I will I close in Maori by offering greetings and wishing you good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.