Auckland Consular Corps dinner

Rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou.  Kia ora tātou katoa.  Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, warm greetings to you all.

I want to specifically acknowledge: Michael Crawford, Dean of the Auckland Consular Corps; Caroline Bilkey, Chief of Protocol with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Members and Life Members of the Corps—tēnā koutou katoa.

Thank you for inviting Janine and me to the Auckland Consular Corps Dinner at the Northern Club.  In what has become something of a tradition, initiated during the time of Sir Keith Holyoake as Governor-General in the late 1970s, the Auckland Consular Corps’ invitation to the Governor-General and his or her spouse is a welcome opportunity to mix and mingle.  And having experienced the finesse and fare of the Club, it is a tradition we were happy to continue!  And like my predecessors, I look forward to returning your hospitality at Government House in Auckland later in my term.

Since becoming Governor General almost 12 months ago, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of you.  In a couple of instances it has been in circumstances other than that of the role I acknowledge tonight.  I would like to take this opportunity then to make a few observations about the role of the Consular Corps.

Collectively, you the Auckland Consular Corps represent the interests of some 60 nations, from Australia and Austria at the start of the alphabet, Lithuania, Malaysia and Malta in the middle, to Uruguay and Vanuatu at the end.  You represent the world’s largest, wealthiest and most populous nations on the one hand, and its smallest, most modest and most sparsely populated nations on the other.  Indeed, almost every possible combination is represented. 

Given that Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most ethnically diverse city; the centre of trade, commerce and business, and where the overwhelming majority of visitors enter New Zealand, it is not surprising that so many nations have consulates here. 

I want to acknowledge the commitment and effort you make to promoting, assisting and facilitating relations between New Zealand and the various countries you represent, whether that is as a professional diplomat or part-timer.  I also acknowledge that many of you have held your respective roles for a good many years, giving your service and advice in both good times and sad times. 

It seems to me that the essence of your role is developing people-to-people connections.  Much of what you do is often behind the scenes.  Sometimes that will be in facilitating trade and investment, providing advice to business people, both in New Zealand and in the nation you represent.  Sometimes it will be providing consular assistance to your nationals, helping them with their travel arrangements - with lost passports, difficulties with visas or occasionally helping those who have transgressed New Zealand’s laws! 

When you are travelling a long way from home and experiencing some difficulty, the assistance of someone “from home” who is commissioned to represent and help is a welcome sight and sound.  For example, those consuls representing non-resident Ambassadors and High Commissioners, and without consular representation in Christchurch, would have played an important role in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that caused so much damage and loss of life in that city.

In that instance, it was more than “trade and travel”.  As with other diplomatic posts, the flow of information - two ways –home or to your Ambassador on the situation and possible casualties, as well as responding to calls from worried parents, partners and friends of loved ones from home; and to New Zealand authorities would have been absolutely critical. 

As I said at the memorial service in Christchurch to mark the first anniversary of the earthquake, the ripples of the disaster stretched around the world.  People in far-flung lands lost loved-ones and grieved too because they never returned.

It’s not just in the case of major tragedies, any case of hardship or misfortune, work that does not have a high profile, but it's essential work that is highly valued and much appreciated by people. 

On a happier note, I’m sure the Rugby World Cup also kept you busy.  Some would have had to host visiting dignitaries and for a select few, a whole rugby team.  And no doubt you had to assist those who had lost their passports, possibly after an evening of revelry and celebrations at an unexpected win or may be commiserations at an unexpected loss!  Do I see a number of nodding heads in the audience, I think I do!

In conclusion, let me say that for trade, investment and friendship between New Zealand and the country you represent the Auckland Consular Corps are a key institution in New Zealand’s largest city.  Regardless of whether you are a part-time honorary consul or a full-time professional diplomat, the services you provide and your work in representing your nation’s interests to this city and to New Zealand is valued.

I thank you as Governor-General, and again, on behalf of Janine and myself, I thank you for your hospitality this evening.  Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.