Emergency Services BBQ

Rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou.  Kia ora tātou katoa.  To this special group gathered – warm greetings to you all.

I specifically acknowledge: Hon Anne Tolley and Hon Amy Adams, Ministers of the Crown; Commissioner Peter Marshall and Superintendent Gary Knowles, Police Commissioner and Canterbury District Police Commander respectively – tēnā korua; Tony Dowell, District Operations Manager Christchurch of St John - tēnā koe; Jon Graham, District Area Commander of the New Zealand Fire Service - tēnā koe; and Greg O’Connor, President of the New Zealand Police Association - tēnā koe.

I also acknowledge those for whom we are specially gathered together to thank this evening – those that were the first to respond to the desperate need for emergency services in the Christchurch Central Business District, and in the wider Canterbury region. Members of the New Zealand Police, members of the New Zealand Fire Service, and members of St John – tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa.

It is a great honour for Janine and me to be here today to thank you for your service, so thank you for inviting us.
At the outset I extend thanks to the New Zealand Army for firing up the Barby and to the Army Band for entertaining us all.  A hearty meal and music always go down well!

As I have mentioned, this evening is about acknowledging and thanking you, those members of the Police, the Fire Service and St Johns who were among the first to respond to needs of hundreds of injured or trapped people in Christchurch and throughout the wider Canterbury region.

To those who saw first-hand the tragedy unfolding, and who will never be able to forget the devastating events witnessed in the immediate aftermath and days that followed – you each have my humble respect.

The work you all do is trying at the best of times. In the wake of the 6.3 earthquake, a year ago today, you were called on to do your job in the worst of times.

You each faced the reality of horrific injuries and loss of life, and were called on to be a steady and reassuring force in one of our country’s darkest hours. You were doing what the rest of the country was unable to do – rescuing, recovering and reassuring those affected.

You each did your job while inevitably not knowing whether your loved ones were safe, whether your home still stood, or whether your own life would be at risk in the line of duty.

As Governor-General and representative of all New Zealanders, at this moment I want to offer thanks and appreciation to you all for your great courage and commitment to your community – to Christchurch and to Cantabrians.

While you might be thinking, “I was just doing my job”, I am here to say that you were doing that job on behalf of all New Zealanders who watched on in horror and heartbreak, unable to contribute but incredibly grateful for your exemplary service.

You are a credit to our country, a credit to Canterbury, and a credit to the organisations you each serve.

I also want to thank those family members who are here today for the support you provided to these valued men and women. I want to thank you for supporting them through that ordeal, for comforting them, and for being without them at a time when you needed them and just wanted to be close to your loved ones.

It is an honour to be among you all, and to thank you for your extraordinary service.

If I might paraphrase Charles Dickens, at the worst of times, came forth the best of people: bravery, selflessness and humanity.

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.