Amputees Federation of New Zealand National Conference

Ladies and Gentlemen, I greet you in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - English, Maori, CookIsland, Niuean and Tokelauan.

Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni.

Specifically I greet you: Hon. Ruth Dyson, Minister for Disability Issues.

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to the official opening of the Amputees Federation of New Zealand National Conference. As patron, I take a direct interest in the role it plays in supporting amputees throughout New Zealand.

This evening officially opens the conference. It also commemorates 60 years since the organisation was established. This gives us reason to celebrate your achievements in the last 60 years, as well as the opportunity to plan for the future.

On 19 April 1947 the New Zealand Civilian Amputees Association Incorporated was established in Wellington. It was set up to redress a lack of support for civilian amputees, in the wake of World War II.  

Up until this point only war amputees had been given support through the War Amputees Association.

The history of the Amputees Federation over the next 60 years reflects an ongoing determination to support amputees. From humble beginnings, the Federation has now developed the comprehensive support network in place today.

As Lorraine Peacock reflects in the 50^th Anniversary publication A Challenge with Purpose, early pioneers of the association possessed a 'determination to ensure the welfare and well-being of the amputee of the future.'

60 years on, there is evidence that this determination remains strong.

The importance of support cannot be underestimated when coping with the loss of a limb. It can come from a number of groups, all of which have a role to play.

Family support is vital to coping with the initial loss of a limb. In the case of a child, it is vital to ensuring personal growth, learning and development. Peer support - either from friends or from an experienced amputee - is also critical. It helps create self-confidence and a belief that life can flourish after amputation.

The District Amputee Societies provide the matrix for a support network - by providing information to family members and by organising meetings with amputee peers.

This not only helps the emotional healing process for the amputee but educates family and friends on how they may be able to help too.

I am impressed with the comprehensive literature that is said to be available to amputees through the Federation. The most recent addition 'An Ongoing Challenge' provides information on just about every topic that one might encounter after amputation. In addition to providing valuable information to new amputees, it is an enlightening read for anyone.

An important message, clearly communicated in the book, is that amputation need not alter one's ability to live life to its fullest.

Profiles of successful amputees within 'An Ongoing Challenge' show how much can be achieved in life when an amputee accepts the challenge to be actively involved. The everyday work of District Societies encourages participation in sport, recreation and culture, in turn helping amputees realise their own potential

The Amputees Federation has a further function as an advisory source for groups and Government bodies. As a national organisation, it has considerable power to lobby for the benefit of amputees.

Through its relationship with the New Zealand Artificial Limb Board, the Federation also has involvement in limb manufacture, repair and maintenance, ensuring the best possible service for amputees.

Over the last 60 years the Amputees Federation of New Zealand has grown into a strong organisation providing comprehensive, pragmatic support to those who are faced with amputation.

To finish, I would like to quote Albert Einstein, who said:

"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."

This, I suggest, reflects the attitude of those involved in the New Zealand Amputees Federation. I commend you on the support you continue to provide to amputees and I wish you all the best for your conference.

I began speaking in all the New Zealand realm languages.  May I close now by speaking in Maori, issuing greetings and wishing you good health and fortitude in your endeavours.

No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.