Carterton Children's Event

For more photos, click here. 

May 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 morning (Sign)

Greetings to everyone that has gathered together this morning; to Kate Clark, who has organised this event; to the students and staff of: Carterton, Southend, St Mary’s, Dalefield, Gladstone and Ponatahi Christian Schools, St Johns Youth, Guides and Scouts.

It is with great pleasure that my wife Susan and I have the opportunity to visit the Wairarapa region. It is wonderful to have such a well attended gathering and we thank you for taking time out from schooling to be here – particular thanks go to the teachers as I am sure all the students are very happy with the situation!

At the outset may I also issue thanks and congratulations to the Parks Team, led by Brian McWilliams, for the work they have done to complete work on the play equipment and soft surfacing.  I understand all hands were on deck to get everything finished in time for this occasion.

Susan and I would like to both speak to you about the role I undertake as Governor-General and about the importance of education.

We have brought a healthy supply of a Government House publication that explains a little of my role which you are all welcome to take. 

I am sure that you may know that New Zealand is a monarchy, which means that our Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II.  Because she is in London, she needs someone based in New Zealand to represent her.  That person is the Governor-General.

New Zealand is also a democracy.  That means that the people of New Zealand elect their Members of Parliament.  An important role of the Governor-General is to appoint the Prime Minister after an election.

Then there are other legal items.  When the Government in Parliament passes laws, the Governor-General signs them in the name of the Queen so they can become part of New Zealand’s laws. 

The Governor-General also signs other important documents appointing people to be Judges and Heads of Government Departments.   All of these legal things are called the Governor-General’s constitutional role. 

The second part of the role is ceremonial. This means that the Governor-General represents the country at important public ceremonies such as Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day events. 

The third part of the role is to do with community leadership.  This means visiting people and places throughout New Zealand and seeing things that people have done well.  This community role is the part of my job that keeps us very busy. It is also that part of the job which keeps us in touch with so many New Zealanders.

And it is what has brought us to Wairarapa and, in particular, to Carterton.   We see it as a key part of the Governor-General role to emphasise those things that positively unite us as New Zealanders rather than those things that divide us.

Education is such an important part of that.  Your teachers are not only giving you the skills to read, write and do long division, but how to understand the world around you. 

In particular, if I could stress one thing to you, it would be to read, read and read.   Never stop reading.  If sport keeps the body fit, it is reading that keeps your brain fit and healthy.

I am sure most of you will have heard of Dr Seuss, who wrote the books, Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat in the Hat.  He once wrote:

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

The values you learn at school are important not only in your school years but throughout your life. Whatever you aspire to be, and wherever your career takes you, the good values you learn, will always be essential. Those values include honesty, integrity, compassion and courage and are the building blocks of great leaders.

Some of you may already be leaders in your community, and some of you will become leaders.

The late Sir Edmund Hillary was an exemplary New Zealand leader.  His passion for adventure and personal achievement was the central driving force for his many great accomplishments, not least of which was to have been the first (with Nepali Sherpa Tensing Norgay) to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953.  It is fitting to recall an important point that Sir Ed made when he said:- 
“You don’t have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things… You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated.”

This is a wonderful challenge for every person here. You do not necessarily need to be the most talented person, or the smartest person to become a great leader. A key quality of leadership is the ability to motivate others and to engage and encourage your peers. It is the duty of a leader to empower those around them, rather than to tell them what to do.

And on that note of encouragement and anticipation on the good things that each one of your will contribute to your community and New Zealand, I will close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, 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.