Auckland Consular Corps Reception

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

May I specifically greet you: John Desrocher, Consul General of the United States and Dean of the Auckland Consular Corps; Warren Searell, Chief of Protocol for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and your colleagues; Members of the Consular Corps; Distinguished Guests otherwise; ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you for accepting the invitation of my wife Susan and I to attend this reception for Auckland's Consular Corps here at Government House in Auckland this evening.

I would like to speak briefly about the importance of your role.  At last count, there are now more than 60 consulates in Auckland, with only a relative few being staffed by what can be called "professional" diplomats.

There is a stereotype view of consuls, particularly honorary consuls, of people holding sinecure positions and working the cocktail circuit often wearing the linen suit, the sunglasses, and the sticking plaster square (you will know the sort of thing I mean!)  Some say the  best fictional representation of this, was the character Charles Fortnum from Graham Greene's 1973 novel, The Honorary Consul.  This book which was made into a movie of the same name a decade later featured Michael Caine as Fortnum—a divorced, self-pitying alcoholic who misuses his position as consul—and Richard Gere, who played the man who has an affair with his wife.

Well, that was, and is, fiction.  But the reality, I know, to be somewhat different. The hardworking Official Secretary at Government House, Rob Taylor, was until he joined us earlier this year, New Zealand's Consul General in Los Angeles and has told me enough of the legal, sometimes medico-legal, and always taxing parts of his role whilst there. Secondly, throughout my career, and as one who practised law in Auckland, and who was for several years a Board member of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, I have had ongoing contact with members of the consular corps in this city and I continue to be impressed with the breadth of the service you provide.

While naturally much official focus is centred on a country's Embassy or High Commission, the consular corps plays an important part in New Zealand's international relationships. 

There is an unusual term in English that I believe captures the role of the consular corps well, particularly for those nations whose Ambassador or High Commissioner is not resident in New Zealand.  That term is "johnny-on-the-spot."

Commenting on the appearance of this phrase in the English language, an American newspaper in 1896 described a "johnny-on-the-spot" as a person who "may be relied upon, to be at a certain stated place, when wanted, and on whose assured appearance, confident expectation may be based."

The writer added that it was not sufficient for this person to be an alert and trustworthy individual to get the title, adding that such a person "must, in addition, render such service and attend to such business, when there, as the occasion may require, and such a 'Johnny' must be on the spot, not merely to attend to the business of others, but also to look after [their] own."

I cannot think of a better phrase to describe both the honorary and professional consuls here today.  You naturally have your own matters and business to attend to, but also will have become skilled at readily and willingly stepping in to assist people from the nations you represent.

You are not only the "johnny-on-the-spot" for foreign nationals visiting New Zealand but also for your ambassador or high commissioner who may be based in Wellington, in Canberra or even further away.  For those whose ambassador is based outside of New Zealand, I am sure that as highly valued sources of information and contacts, you play a key role in supporting the relevant embassy's political and economic responsibilities.

Your work here in Auckland, New Zealand largest and most ethnically diverse city, emphasises how much New Zealand and our world is changing.  My own profile born in New Zealand, parents born in Fiji and migrated here, grandparents born in India and migrated to Fiji,  demonstrates how people are increasingly on the move.   I feel certain that the role and significance of the consular corps in  Auckland will continue to grow.

In conclusion I thank you for your service and welcome you to enjoy our hospitality this evening.

And with that, I will close in New Zealand's first language Maori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.