E kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa.
I’d like to specifically acknowledge: Monica Briggs – Chief Executive of the Child Cancer Foundation; Jim Boult – Patron of the Child Cancer Foundation; Dan Walker - Board chair of the Child Cancer Foundation; Craig Maxwell, Jackie Walsh and Dr Stephen Laughton – Life Membership Award recipients; Amanda Cleland - Distinguished Service Award recipient.
And of course, our Star tamariki, Holly and Zack, and your families.
Tēnā koutou katoa. I am delighted to welcome you all to Government House Auckland for this very special event – honouring our Child Cancer Foundation Life Membership Award recipients, Distinguished Service Award recipient, and Star tamariki.
One of my favourite things about being Governor-General is the opportunities I get to meet extraordinary New Zealanders, up and down the country, doing all sorts of incredible things to help others.
I think that such people have learnt one of the great secrets of life: that our own happiness comes, not from doing things for ourselves, but rather, in helping others to be happy too.
Holly and Zack – I feel very lucky to be able to meet you both today, and to thank you, on behalf of all New Zealanders, for your bravery and generosity.
You have taken your own hard times and turned them into amazing stories that help other children and their families feel better when things are scary. That’s such a kind and special thing to do.
Speaking now as a mother and grandmother, I imagine hearing the words ‘child’ and ‘cancer’ together must represent one of the most difficult challenges a family can endure.
It is in these unimaginable, isolating moments that parents, siblings and wider whānau discover their deepest courage, and I am heartened to learn you haven’t had to face these challenges alone.
It was Archbishop Desmond Tutu who said, ‘Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.’
Thank you for sharing your personal stories and shining the light that gives other families hope when their world is turned upside down. You offer undeniable proof that it is possible to navigate a journey so disorienting and painful with dignity and strength.
To the Child Cancer Foundation’s four award recipients: my thanks to each of you. You have demonstrated many years of commitment, and great generosity in your support of the Foundation, who could not do what they do without people such as yourselves.
I’d like to take this opportunity to also acknowledge the tremendous work of Monica and all the staff and volunteers at the Child Cancer Foundation – including your Patron Jim, and Dan, your Board members – and all those who help to fund the Foundation’s important work. Thank you for being there to support children and their families during their most challenging times.
The Child Cancer Foundation not only provides wonderful support to young patients and their families, you also offer hope for the future through your support of ground-breaking research into childhood cancer.
To Craig, Jackie, Stephen and Amanda, our super Stars Holly and Zack, and your whānau – thank you for the care and support you give to others. I could not be any prouder or more honoured to present your awards to you here today.
Kia ora, kia kaha, huihui tātou katoa.