Fakaalofa lahi atu kia mutolu oti – my warmest Pacific greetings to you all.
I thank you for the warm welcome extended to me today. It is a privilege to be included in your celebrations.
I would like to begin by specifically acknowledging: The Honourable Ritchie Mautama, Cabinet Minister of the 19th Government of Niue; Vicky Henstock, Deputy Mayor of Christchurch; Geraldine Clifford-Lidstone, CEO Ministry of Pacific Peoples, and Riki Welsh, Chairperson, Niue Community Christchurch
Tēnā koutou katoa.
As Governor-General of the Realm of New Zealand, representing His Majesty King Charles III, it is an honour to be here today for this very special occasion. For 125 years, Niue and New Zealand have enjoyed a close and unique friendship.
Our relationship is a strong one, enhanced through our special constitutional arrangement. But of course, we share bonds of a deeper kind – tied together by our ancestors - our whakapapa - and as whānau who have made their home in the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
The over 30,000 Niuean’s living in New Zealand are testament to the strength of those links and the vitality of our ongoing relationship. These ties hold us in good stead as we navigate the challenges of the modern day – our collaboration on issues such as climate change, security, and economic sustainability is critical to building a resilient future.
It was a vastly different world in 1901 when Niue and New Zealand first formally connected. As the twentieth century stretched out before them, our forebears could sense how this relationship would deeply shape and elevate our shared histories.
With time comes change, and in 1974 this meant Niue’s decision to commence self-government in free association with New Zealand. I was honoured to be in Niue in 2024 for celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of this agreement. During my visit I reflected on Niue’s strong commitment to a vision of prosperity for its people – through the growth of tourism, a focus on sustainability and increased educational opportunities.
I have also had the immense pleasure of hosting Prime Minister Tagelagi in New Zealand throughout my tenure as Governor-General. These engagements always reinforce our shared goals and aspirations as Pacific neighbours.
More recently, in November last year, the Leaders of both New Zealand and Niue signed a foundational Political Declaration that strengthens and reinforces the partnership between our two countries. It reflects our commitment to working together as Realm partners, to cooperate to ensure a peaceful and stable region, and to advance Niue’s aims for its future.
This partnership also reinforces New Zealand’s responsibility to the wellbeing and prosperity of Niue, as initiated in that first agreement of 1901. When visiting Niue I was struck by the strong sense that our people, culture and histories will continue to be intertwined for many years to come.
Thank you, once again, for allowing me to share in these very special celebrations. I wish all of you in New Zealand and across the seas in Niue the very best for the future.
Kia fakamonuina mai he Atua a Niue Fekai.