Former MPs Reception

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 evening (Sign)

I then specifically greet you: Brent  Catchpole, newly elected President of the Association of Former Members of Parliament of New Zealand and your wife Cathy, your immediate predecessor in that office Graham Kelly and your wife Janette; Dr Tony Lamb, Secretary of the Association of Former Members of the Parliament of Australia; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

It is with great pleasure that Susan and I welcome you all to Government House in Wellington for this reception for the Association of Former MPs of New Zealand.

When Susan and I hosted this reception at Government House Vogel in Lower Hutt last year, when speaking, I indicated that it might be possible, such was the reported progress of the Government House Conservation Project, for us to host your 2011 reception in Government House Wellington.

As many here may know, the House was formally reopened 67 days ago on 24 March and two highly successful open days were held in early April.  These gave the public an opportunity to look through the House at close quarters.  Some 8,300 people did this on 9 and 10 April with an estimated further 5,000 taking an opportunity to spend time in the grounds.

That 30-month long Conservation Project literally saw the House pulled apart and put back together again.  Many of you would, as former Members of Parliament, have visited Government House in the past.  There will be some aspects that will seem familiar, and others that have changed.  In the Liverpool Sitting Room and the Norrie State Dining Room, for example, years of paint have been methodically and carefully stripped to reveal rimu panelling in its former glory.  While the bulk of paint was quickly removed, apparently it took weeks of careful detailing to remove the paint that had worked its way into the nooks and crannies.

There are also the aspects that cannot be so easily seen.  Inside many of the walls is steel framing that connects to a massive concrete service trench that runs the length of the House.  This carries all the water, waste, ventilation, electricity, gas and other services, and has given the building enhanced seismic strength.  The entirely new roof, consists of about 200,000 clay tiles—sourced from the same quarry in England as the original about a century ago.

Susan and I want to encourage you to wander and discuss and enjoy the ambience of the restored House and its art and artefacts this evening.  We look forward to joining you in doing that.

I observe that there has been change with your  Association.  I want to note with respect that some of your members have passed away in the last year, including Esme Tombleson, who was the MP for Gisborne from 1960 to 1972 and who in her time served as President of your Association.

This year also marks the 21st anniversary of the establishment of the Association in 1990 and tonight effectively marks a coming of age.  I understand a number of initiatives that were in a nascent stage a year ago, are now bearing fruit.  For example you have chosen the winner of your inaugural secondary schools essay, which will be announced very soon. 

I see too that several of you have worked as election monitors, with Hon Wyatt Creech and Brent Catchpole covering the elections in the Solomon Islands, and Hon Noel Scott, the elections in Tonga. 

To that end, I also understand that earlier today at your Annual General Meeting you agreed to associate with the trust deed for International Election Monitors Institute, this being a joint initiative with Australian Association.  The establishment of the Institute will ensure you are better able and equipped to respond to requests for assistance as well as assisting nations establish or re-establish working democracies.  It is an initiative to be commended.  Although we are small and remote, our country has an enviable reputation in many places, put very well by the erstwhile Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan as “a country that works”.

This will be the last time Susan and I will have the honour of hosting you here at Government House as our term ends in 85 days on 23 August.  I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Association and members for the work it does in supporting each other and externally.  It demonstrates how public life for former parliamentarians can continue long after you walk down the steps of Parliament for the last time or through the rubber door.  Thank you too for the warm fellowship you have invariably extended to Susan and I .

Thus in conclusion, in this, the 21st year of the Association of Former MPs of the New Zealand Parliament, Susan and I thank you for your ongoing service.  We both wish the Association well and again invite you to enjoy our hospitality this evening.

And on that note I will close in New Zealand’s first language, 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.