Rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Nau mai haere mai ki Te Whare Kawana o Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Kia ora tātou katoa.
It’s my pleasure to welcome you all to Government House Wellington. I’d like to specifically acknowledge:
- Courtney Davies and Tracy Han, Directors of APEC Voices of the Future
- His Excellency Jose Emilio Bustinza Soto, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru
- The Honourable Tim Groser, former New Zealand Ambassador to the US
- Jacqui Caine, Group Head of Strategy and Environment, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, and former New Zealand Ambassador to Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia
- Mareikura Ikin and Matiu Fletcher, APEC Voices of the Future alumni
- And to all friends and supporters of the programme.
Tēnā koutou katoa.
I’m delighted to host this very special celebration of 25 years of APEC Voices of the Future – this initiative that brings together young leaders from across Asia and the Pacific to collaborate on some of the most pressing issues facing our world today.
As Governor-General, I have found the international aspect of my role both fascinating and instructive. On a regular basis, I have the great pleasure of welcoming new ambassadors to New Zealand –hearing them talk about their hopes and ambitions for their time here – and bidding them farewell upon the completion of their posting.
I have also acted as an ambassador for Aotearoa New Zealand on trips overseas: to the United Kingdom for the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and, several months later, the coronation of King Charles III – as well as to Samoa, Malaysia, and the Republic of Korea, among others.
I feel a great sense of pride in representing New Zealand on the world stage – but also a great weight of responsibility, knowing the importance of building and maintaining our international relationships. Indeed, the need for effective diplomacy has never been more vital for the survival of human societies – and the wellbeing of the planet itself.
We live in challenging and uncertain times – a time of continuing conflict and division around the world, the increasing threat of climate change, and where making ends meet is so difficult for so many.
These issues all point to an urgent need to continue in our pursuit of peace and collective wellbeing; to listen to each other and seek areas of common ground; and to remain steadfast in support of initiatives such as APEC Voices of the Future, knowing the positive impact they have on the future of our country and the wider global community.
Much will depend in these years ahead on our ability to keep lines of communication open and work in genuine partnership. You only have to look at the list of Nobel Prize Laureates to understand that humanity’s best work transcends borders, and, increasingly, disciplines.
APEC Voices of the Future has been successful in producing future leaders across a range of fields: outstanding individuals such Mareikura and Matiu, who I’m so pleased could join us here this evening.
We need such critical-thinking, curious, empathetic young people: to safeguard our democracy; to find creative solutions that will protect our planet and biodiversity; and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead free, happy, and healthy lives.
My sincerest congratulations once again on this important milestone for APEC Voices of the Future. You can be very proud of what you’ve achieved and the opportunities that you’ve created over these past 25 years.
I also wish take this opportunity to acknowledge the work and contributions of Te Puni Kōkiri, as well as the Centres for Asia-Pacific Excellence – who do so much to enhance New Zealand’s engagement across Asia and Latin America.
The whakataukī says: ‘Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not wide apart.’ I urge you to keep hold of the spirit of these words in the work that you do – and I wish APEC Voices of the Future all the very best for your years ahead.
Kia ora, kia kaha, kia manawanui, huihui tātou katoa.