Speech
Jaycees Book Launch
I greet you all in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - English, Maori, Cook Island Maori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.
Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the evening and the sun has set (Sign)
May I specifically greet you: Junior Chamber International New Zealand Senate Chairman, Geoff Cole, and your fellow senators; Junior Chamber International New Zealand President, Martin Watson; Research historians, Susan and Graham Butterworth; Ngaio Press publisher, John MacGibbon; Project Committee Members; Senators; Jaycees; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.
Thank you for inviting me to launch this new publication, Jaycee: Developers of People, Builders of Communities to recognise 75 years of Jaycee in New Zealand.
I wish to speak tonight about the past of the Jaycee movement, its role in building our society and its future in our country.
While Jaycee began as a leadership training and civic organisation 92 years ago in the United States, its history in New Zealand began 75 years ago on the same night in April 1932 when unemployed workers rioted in Auckland's Queen St. The riots began after several hundred public servants marched to the Town Hall to protest against proposed wage cuts.
It was the time of the Great Depression and thousands were unemployed. From the prosperity of the early 21st Century, it is hard to imagine how devastated the world's and New Zealand's economy were. Industry lay idle and farmers walked off their land. While New Zealand's economy lay in tatters, the greatest damage had been done to our nation's social fabric. Parents could not provide food and protection for their children. While all strata of society were affected, some of the hardest hit were the young people of the day, and particularly young men.
That time of social disillusion and frustration led to many responses. Social disarray of all kinds was the norm. The riots in New Zealand, while a shock to the nation, were relatively tame alongside the slide to dictatorship, militarism, civil war and wars nationalistic conquest that beset the globe.
It seems fortuitous that in New Zealand one response was the creation of this country's first Jaycee chapter, the Auckland Junior Chamber of Commerce. Its aim of developing young people to be leaders struck a chord and it quickly grew.
Its goal then, as now, was to help in developing a young person's individual abilities, whatever they maybe, and encouraging them to work together to improve humanity's economic, social and spiritual wellbeing.
By the end of the Second World War, there were about 2000 Jaycees in New Zealand and it was dedicated to assisting young men in post-war society, with about half having served during the war.
After the War, Jaycee worked to develop the skills of its members so they could achieve worthwhile careers. Jaycee was a major catalyst in ensuring that servicemen were trained in leadership, meeting procedures, public speaking, project planning and management, business and other skills.
The projects Jaycees were involved with changed with the times. During the war, it was growing vegetables for the armed forces, while after the war it included the establishment of blood banks, secondary school debates, defensive driving courses and aid projects in Asia.
The Jaycees who have gone on to high profile careers include mayors, cabinet ministers, sportsmen, judges and many others. They include: former Prime Minister, the late Rt Hon David Lange; Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Don McKinnon; cricketer Sir Richard Hadlee; and my predecessor as Governor-General, Sir Denis Blundell.
The Jaycee organisation is unique. With a requirement that only those between the ages of 18 and 40 can be members, and that no member may hold a particular office for more than one year, leadership is never the preserve of a few.
Throughout the world Jaycee operates in more than 100 countries and has about 250,000 members. In New Zealand, the numbers in Jaycees has declined significantly from the more than 6000 who were members in the mid 1970s.
In recent times, however, there are signs of a revival in interest. More people are seeing the value of its courses in business planning, management and leadership. Jaycees is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
Leadership skills remain sorely needed in our society. Our country is becoming more culturally and ethnically diverse than ever before.
The last Census showed that 22 percent of New Zealanders were born overseas, up significantly on a decade before. A century ago, those New Zealanders born overseas largely hailed from Britain and Ireland. Today, those from Britain and Ireland account for about 28.6 percent of New Zealanders born overseas—the same proportion as those New Zealanders born in Asia.
This change is enriching New Zealand's society, culture and economy. But it has also brought challenges, as the values of those new to this country are accommodated alongside the democratic and secular values we hold dear.
In just the same way as Jaycees gave purpose to those lost by the social upheavals of the Depression or those who needed a new start after the Second World War, I believe Jaycees can play a major role in helping those new to New Zealand find their place. It is my wero, my challenge, to you all.
Jaycees who make an 'outstanding contribution,' as judged by their peers, are awarded life membership to JCI International. This honour is called 'senatorship' and JCI Senators, now an incorporated group, are Jaycee's distinguished alumni.
It is the Senators who have managed and commissioned this publication. This week JCI New Zealand is holding its 64th national convention while the Senators are holding their AGM.
It seems fitting that during this week, as JCI New Zealand looks forward to the future with a renewed sense of purpose, that it celebrates its illustrious past. The Jaycee story is about community leadership, and of building social capital.
As New Zealand racing driver, the late Bruce McLaren, said:
"To do something well is so worthwhile that to die trying to do it better cannot be foolhardy. It would be a waste of life to do nothing with one's ability for I feel that life is measured in achievement, not in years alone."
In conclusion then, Jaycee has an illustrious past that is measured in many achievements and of which it can be proud. The organisation faces many challenges, but I believe it retains a key role in building leadership skills.
It is with pleasure then, that I officially launch Jaycee: Developers of People, Builders of Communities (75 years of Jaycee in New Zealand).
On that note I will close in Maori by issuing greetings and wishing you good health and fortitude in your endeavours.
No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.