Former MPs reception

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 evening (Sign).

May I then specifically greet you: Graham Kelly, Incoming President of the Association of Former Members of Parliament; Alasdair Webster, President of the Australian Association of former MPs; Distinguished Guests, all and you represent a gamut of former Parliamentarians - Members, Cabinet Members and Speakers of the House; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for accepting the invitation from my wife Susan and I to attend this reception for the Association of Former Members of Parliament here at Government House Vogel this evening.  It is a matter of delight for us to continue the tradition of hosting you.

I extend best wishes to outgoing President Allan Wallbank, who is unable to attend due to the ill-health of his wife, Colleen.

It seems that every time that Susan and I host a reception for your Association, we end up gathering in a new venue!  Two years ago, it was Government House Wellington, last year it was Government House Auckland and now it is Government House Vogel here in Lower Hutt.

The Government House Wellington conservation project, which began with the closure of the House in October last year, is now underway in earnest.  Quite fittingly, the last public engagement I undertook in the House was to sign on October 8 the Writ authorising the November 8 General Election.

From our offices at Islington House, on the Government House grounds, it is difficult to see what is actually happening to the House.  For security and safety reasons, the main contractor, long-established Wellington construction company, L.T. McGuinness, has surrounded the building with a tall fence.  Anyone going on to the site has to receive a safety briefing and be kitted out in hard hat and safety gear.

However, I am advised that an enormous amount has already been done including, for example, digging a service tunnel the length of the building.

Moving to Lower Hutt has been a change but one to which we have now had some months to become adapted.  Numerous functions have been held here including four credentials ceremonies for new foreign envoys to New Zealand.

While I have had no particular prior connections to the Hutt Valley, Susan's family has strong connections to the area, with her father being born here and other relations having established the Sharpe Seed Company, which still operates although it has long ceased to be owned by the family.

The Hutt Valley has also welcomed us openly and we've had the pleasure of inviting several of the Valley's civic leaders to dinner to introduce ourselves to the "neighbours".  We've also featured on the cover of the local glossy magazine, Vibrant Hutt.

Constant change is part of modern life and so it is with the Association.  I understand the Association has held a memorial service to recognise the service of those members who have passed away.  Commendably, I understand this is to be a regular occurrence, being held on a triennial basis.

As well as looking back, it is equally important to look forward.  To this end, I am advised the Association is taking a number of new initiatives, including establishing scholarships and offering member's services as election monitors in countries overseas.

Both of these initiatives are to be applauded.  They are yet another away to ensure that the experience and service of the people gathered here continues to benefit the community.

There is a popular, albeit mistaken view that when MPs leave Parliament that their public life ends.  The reality is quite the opposite and I note among the guests here tonight a variety of ongoing service, including as foreign envoys, to the Waitangi Tribunal and local government to name just three arenas.

So in conclusion, I thank you for your ongoing service.  Susan and I wish the association well and invite you to enjoy our hospitality this evening.

And on that note, 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.