Barnados Picnic

Kia ora and a big welcome to Government House. 
Lady Janine and I are so pleased you are here today to have a picnic-lunch with us.

Like any house, Government House comes alive when we have visitors – particularly when we have young visitors, from pre-schoolers upwards, who can enjoy the grounds.  So thank you for coming along.  Thanks also to the prefects of Mt Albert Grammar who have come along to help.

Today we are celebrating an early Barnados Founders Day.  Founders Day is celebrated on 4 July, the birthdate of Dr Thomas Barnado, the founder of Barnados.  He was born in 1845 – 169 years ago – and started his work helping children nearly 145 years ago in England .

On Founders Day we celebrate Dr Barnado’s life and work.  We remember a man who set out to make a difference, to help others and to provide opportunities for them.  We remember someone who has changed the lives of thousands of children and provided a great example for others to follow.

Dr Barnado knew that how we live our lives as children affects the rest of our lives.  He believed that every child should have access to care, education and vocational training.

If Dr Barnado were here today, he would be very happy to see that his work has been extended from England to the other side of the world to New Zealand.  He would be delighted that many New Zealanders have benefited from Barnados, and that Barnados is a highly respected organisation here.  He would also be pleased to know Barnados services reach over 100,000 children in this country.

What really matters is the care and support of our children.  In our communities, organisations like Barnados, do fantastic work because they are supported by caring and compassionate people.

Dr Barnado once said that home and love are “gifts which cannot be bought with money”.   In other words it is what happens in a house which makes it a home.

There is a Māori whakatauki which sums up the spirit of Barnados and its people:  Aroha mai, aroha atu – love received, love given.

As Governor-General I am very pleased to be Patron of such an influential and positive organisation.

Barnados can be relied upon to be there for people – to give friendship in providing advice and care to children and their families. 

Thank you to all the Barnados people here today for all the fantastic work you do.

We hope you enjoy yourselves and we are looking forward to meeting as many of you as we can.

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa and please enjoy your afternoon.