I wish to start by acknowledging, on behalf of New Zealand, representatives of mana enua – and specifically Pa ma Kainuku Ariki – the Cook Islands Government, and the Religious Advisory Council.
Rere ana nga roimata o Hine
Tērā te pae, o Te Riri.
Huihuia mai tātau katoa
Tēnei te pae, o Maumahara.
E nga iwi, kei aku rangatira
Wahine ma, tāne mā
Tēnā tātau katoa.
E nga rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai ra ki Te Whare Kawana o Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Warm greetings to you all, and welcome to Government House Wellington.