Speech
7th International Conference on Medical Regulation
Ladies and Gentlemen, I greet you and in the languages of the Realm of New Zealand, English Maori, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau. Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni
In particular may I acknowledge you, Chairman of the Medical Council of New Zealand, Professor John Campbell; IAMRA Chairman, Professor Thanyani Mariba; Chairwoman of the IAMRA Conference Committee, Sue Ineson; Kaumatua Tony Ruakere; Professor Mason Durie of Massey University Tena korua; Delegates from overseas and New Zealand; Ladies and Gentlemen.
Welcome to New Zealand's beautiful capital city, Wellington. It is a pleasure to have you all here this afternoon for the commencement of the 7th International Conference on Medical Regulation.
I am advised that not only is this is the first time the event has been held in New Zealand but the first time it has been held in the Pacific.
Speaking therefore in the name of the Medical Council of New Zealand, it is an honour to have the opportunity to be your hosts in this part of the world.
It is perhaps appropriate that this event is being held in New Zealand, because a major theme of the Conference is to ensure that geographic and cultural distance does not preclude effective medical treatment worldwide.
For many people in other parts of the world, New Zealand seems a small and distant country. Many people know little enough about us, except for our reputation for beautiful scenery, quality produce and, as a result of the movie Lord of the Rings, a reputation resonating hobbits and elves who once called New Zealand home.
I can see from the Conference line-up which I have read on-line, many of you have come from afar, but I am sure that the effort in so doing will be well-rewarded.
Despite the distance between New Zealand and much of the rest of the world, you will come to discern that we share similar basic health needs as in each of your countries.
Our people, like yours, need effective, reliable and consistent medical treatment from health providers. We need to be confident in our medical professionals at every level and we need to know we have the same opportunity to enjoy good similar good health to other people in the world.
This I distil is precisely the point of IAMRA. You seek to ensure that people all over the world have confidence that the medical treatment they receive will be of the highest possible standard. The Medical Council byline goes "Protecting the Public/Promoting Good Medical Practice"
As a lawyer, Judge and Ombudsman in earlier occupations, I was made aware of a number of the challenges faced by the medical profession, including the complicated challenge of effective medical regulation within New Zealand. I have worked in New Zealand with a number of health officials and with some of the delegates to the Conference. I can only imagine the size of the task that is involved as you face regulating international best medical practice.
It is a task of great importance and I extend gratitude to delegates and professionals for your efforts and your successes in this regard.
This conference is an opportunity for you to share your knowledge and perspective with your contemporaries. There is provided a forum at which to debate, discuss and advance international medical regulation with some of the best minds in the field.
So please enjoy the next few days. I am sure it will be immensely rewarding at a professional level. And do also take the time to enjoy this city and as much as you can of our country. It is a beautiful place and I am certain that New Zealanders will delight in sharing some of it with you.
No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora koutou katoa. I declare the Conference open.