Rere ana ngā roimata o Hine tērā te pae o Te Riri. Huihuia mai tātau katoa tēnei te pae o Maumahara. E ngā iwi, kei aku rangatira wāhine mā, tāne mā tēnā tātau katoa.
I would like to specifically acknowledge: Her Excellency María Belén Bogado, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to New Zealand, and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and members of the Diplomatic Corps; Hon Casey Costello, Minister of the Crown; Vanushi Walters MP, representing the Opposition; His Worship the Honourable Andrew Little, Mayor of Wellington; Vice Admiral Mathew Williams, Chief of Defence Force; Lieutenant General (Retired) Rhys Jones, Chair of National War Memorial Advisory Council; Colonel James A. Tony Hill, National President of Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association; Glenis Philip-Barbara, Deputy Secretary, Ministry for Culture and Heritage; Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika; Distinguished guests
I also wish to pay tribute to all veterans, including those joining us here from overseas, as well as those who are marking Armistice Day around the country.
Today, the Peace Bell, Rangimārie, rang out across the city – its solemn, resonant sound so powerfully calling to mind both the importance of collective remembrance, and the responsibilities we all share to seek and nurture peace for succeeding generations.
Most of the Carillon’s 74 Bells of Remembrance are inscribed with dedications of courage, commitment, and sacrifice. Of these, the Rongomai bell is relatively modest – weighing 27kg and tuned to the note of F-sharp, it carries a simple inscription: In memory of Cecil Ernest Webb and Arthur Llewellyn Webb.
Cecil and Arthur were the beloved sons of Richard and Mary Webb. They grew up together here in Wellington – and died separately on the battlefields of France.
Cecil worked for the Mines Department before enlisting with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Wounded at the Battle of the Somme, Cecil later became a sergeant, and in August 1918 took part in an assault on the German-held town of Bapaume in northern France. Though eventually victorious, this was a difficult and costly battle with over 11,000 Allied casualties, including Cecil – killed on the second day of fighting, aged 30.
Arthur was an 18-year-old teacher trainee who gave his age as 20 to enlist, sailing with one of the first New Zealand contingents. In September 1916 during the Battle of the Somme, Arthur suffered a serious stomach wound and later died. His body was never recovered – but Arthur’s sacrifice is commemorated with more than 1,200 others on the Caterpillar Valley New Zealand Memorial, in the cemetery near Longueval from which the Unknown Warrior was also repatriated.
Cecil and Arthur Webb, alongside thousands of other young New Zealanders, answered the call to serve in a distant war. Today, we remember these young sons of Wellington and all those from across New Zealand who tragically paid the highest price. In doing so, we are reminded that peace is fragile, and requires constant care and vigilance.
More than a century after the signing of the Armistice, 11 November remains one of the most significant days of remembrance in countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Belgium, and France. Its significance endures today, as wars continue to devastate lives and communities in many parts of the world. It is with sadness that I note that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has now lasted longer than the First World War.
As Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief, I thank members of the New Zealand Defence Force for continuing to defend and aid those around the world who are most vulnerable and in need.
Today, let us remember those who sacrificed so much, and reaffirm our shared responsibility to build a more understanding and secure world for the next generation. This highest ideal must be upheld, both at home and abroad, through our steadfast commitment to cooperation, understanding, and peace.
Kia maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou.