Auckland Annivesary Day Regatta luncheon

I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.  Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the afternoon (Sign).

I then specifically greet you: Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, Minister of Defence and your wife Denese; Eric Mahoney, Chairman of the Auckland Anniversary Regatta Committee and your wife Robyn; Your Worship Len Brown, Mayor of Auckland and your wife Shan; Commodore Ross Smith, Maritime Component Commander of New Zealand Defence Force; Lieutenant Commander Simon Griffiths, Commanding Officer HMNZS Wellington and your wife Susie; Distinguished guests otherwise, notably Sir Don McKinnon and Lady Clare de Lore; Ladies and Gentlemen. 
As Patron of the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta Committee, it was with great pleasure that my wife Susan and I accepted the invitation to watch the start of the Classic A Division Race.

At the outset, can I say how good it is to be back aboard HMNZS Wellington.  We had the pleasure of sailing on her when we visited New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands late last year as a part of Operation Endurance.  It was a special visit, of which we have many fond memories, notwithstanding the swell one experiences in the Roaring Forties and the Furious Fifties!  Moving about the ship it is good to see so many familiar faces.

As our lunch awaits, I will be brief but I have three points I would like to make. The first is about acknowledgement.  This event combines the collective efforts of many individuals and organisations.  In particular, it is a joint effort by the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta Committee, the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Auckland Council and many city businesses and sponsors.  As Patron I would like to put on record my thanks to everyone in this regard.

That leads to my second point regarding participation.  Regarded as one of the larger events of its type in the world, the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta is an opportunity for yachties from far and wide to compete in many different classes in a spirit of healthy competition and fun.  It celebrates yachting as a sport in which New Zealanders can say they are world leaders.  It is also about family fun, whether watching the event with a picnic from one of Auckland’s many vantage points or participating on the harbour. 

My final point concerns history.  The first Auckland Regatta was held on the day the city was founded, 18 September 1840, when Governor William Hobson and his officials rowed ashore and raised the flag.  This was some 11 years before the first America's Cup contest was sailed in 1851.

The formal link between the Navy and the Regatta began in the 1860s, when HMS Miranda and HMS Fawn were stationed here .  With the establishment of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy in 1921, the involvment of the Navy has been consistent feature.  The Navy this year celebrates 90 years since the establishment of the Division  and 70 years since it became the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1941.

That history also speaks of Auckland as it has changed and grown.  A year after that first regatta, Auckland was a small township of 2000 people living in primitive wooden and raupo buildings.   Today it is a thriving metropolis of many businesses, cultures and more than 1 million people, led by Mayor Brown and Australasia’s largest council.    While Auckland has grown and changed, the beautiful Waitemata Harbour and Aucklander’s passion for their city has remained a constant.

And on that note, I will close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, offering greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.