Speech
Celebrating New Zealand - Asia Relationships
Ladies and Gentlemen, I greet you in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - English, Maori, Cook Island Maori, Niuean and Tokelauan.
Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni
In particular, may I recognise you Lex Henry, Trustee, MP Pansy Wong, members of the Diplomatic Corp, Asia New Zealand Trustees, Forum participants, Business Leaders, Organisers and Supporters.
It has been wonderful this evening to see some of the results of the first Asia:New Zealand Young Leaders Forum that has been held over the past week - it has been a full programme and I would like to congratulate all those involved in bringing this initiative to life.
The opportunities for the forum participants to make a difference in building ongoing relationships between New Zealand and the countries of Asia are as exciting as they are vast.
I understand Asia:New Zealand will be working to ensure the participants have every opportunity to stay in touch with one another and build on the experience they gained during the forum.
The forum highlights the need for New Zealand to deliberately identify, cultivate and support the young, talented people who will lead the development of New Zealand and Asia's future relations.
I would urge all of you here tonight who have contributed to making this a success to continue your interest in this new programme.
The relationships we have formed during the week will benefit not only the individuals involved, but also wider communities of interest in New Zealand and the countries of Asia.
Congratulations to all Asia:New Zealand Young Leaders Forum 2006 participants. I look forward to seeing the array of positive contact and opportunities that will result from this programme.
No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora koutou katoa