Auckland Cup Day

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 just the afternoon (Sign)

I then specifically greet you: Russell Warwick, Chairman of the Auckland Racing Cup; members of your Board, Hon Rodney Hide MP, Sir Peter Leitch; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to the Chairman’s Lunch on Auckland Cup Day here the Ellerslie Racecourse. 

For any New Zealander interested in sport and in racing it is a fine moment to stand alongside this handsome Auckland Cup which has been contested here at Ellerslie for well over one hundred years and which is the apex of New Zealand racing prowess.

Susan and I in the course of the Governor-General role, as well as before, have enjoyed a connection with the sport including encounters in settings as large as Ellerslie and Trentham, but also as small as Tauherenikau.  As an individual I have enjoyed many outings at the Auckland racing venues, my father, as a medical general practitioner, having been the medical officer for the Avondale Jockey Club for many years and an attendee here likewise.

I have three points I wish to make and the first concerns history.  The Auckland Cup has a long and proud history that stretches back to 1874, just three years after the first Auckland City Council was established.  With some of the largest stakes on offer, the field is always of the highest quality.  Some of the legendary horses that have won the race remain New Zealand household names including Castletown, Kotare Chief and, of course, the only mount to win both the Auckland and Melbourne cups, Jezabeel.

My second point is one of thanks.  I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Auckland Racing Club for successfully staging the Auckland Cup Week. 

Auckland Cup Day and the wider Cup week are one of the many highlights of an Auckland summer.  Drawing in competitors from New Zealand and overseas, the glamour and fun, both on and off the turf, are a social highlight, and also add to the city’s economy and vibrancy.  The Auckland Racing Club is to be praised for its flair in choosing to make something really special of the Auckland Cup and to stage a special meeting in March devoted to excellence - be that in the fields or the related events that race goers and the citizens of Auckland can enjoy.

My final point is a challenge.  We have all been shocked by the devastation and tragic loss of life in Christchurch in the February 22 earthquake.  Susan and I have twice visited the stricken city to offer our support to those whose lives will never be the same again.  While Christchurch will be rebuilt, the challenge ahead is enormous and the people of the city need all the support that can be offered.  I was therefore pleased to read that one of the many colourfully decorated horses on display today has been painted red and black and converted into a “piggy bank” in the form of a racehorse.  May it flow over with your support and generosity today.

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