Laura Fergusson Trust

Greetings everyone - kia ora and good morning (sign).

This wonderful House was perfect for hosting Bridge and Mah-jong in May 2007 and again in June 2008.  When it was closed, from October 2008 until March of this year, for the completion of the conservation project, it was a disappointment that this event had to go elsewhere.  I am delighted to again welcome you back here for this ever-popular day with the bonus of Scrabble.

Many here know that bridge is something that I find absorbing and it is a joy for me to combine fun with duty at this fund-raiser for the Laura Fergusson Women’s Auxiliary.  When Anand finishes the term as Governor-General, my role as Patron will end.

As we take time out of our busy lives to support a very worth-while cause and help our work-life balance, let me tell you something of the inspiring story of the Laura Fergusson Trust and the Ladies’ Auxiliary, with which you may not be familiar.

During the popular term of Sir Bernard Fergusson, Lady Laura Fergusson, already known for her compassion, got together with her friend, Lady Mary Caughey and made a proposal.  In 1966 they supported discussions between hospital boards and social service groups to help disabled people.  On 25 May 1967, The Laura Fergusson Trust was established to "assist disabled persons in the solution to their residential problems".  The Laura Fergusson Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed three years later from supporters to help raise the funds needed to build and manage the residences.

The Ladies’ Auxiliary has come a long way since then.  It continues to support the rehabilitation services to New Zealanders in their tens of thousands which is offered by the Trust.  The Trust manages comprehensive, client centred, transitional rehabilitation services and residential programmes to empower people with disabilities to reach their full potential.  Centres are in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.  Without the remarkable vision of Laura Fergusson and Mary Caughey, the Trust would not exist and neither would the Auxiliary which does so much to support it.

Laura Fergusson also left her mark at this Government House with an important addition to the Ballroom.  Lady Laura urged the purchase of the two wonderful chandeliers that hang from the Ballroom ceiling.  They are of Czechoslovakian crystal, a beautiful and striking feature of this Ballroom adding a sense of grandeur.  They also hang in the Dorchester Hotel in London.

Laura Fergusson had a busy schedule during her time at Government House and typical of things she did on her own was open the Nurses’ Chapel at Wellington Hospital just across the road in November 1964.

Bronwyn Hale and her committed friends are the current group of amazing women who have contributed so much, so well in my time and I wish to salute them for their work.  Thank you for your friendship and inspiration.  I have loved being the patron of this Auxiliary supporting people in the community who live with disabilities to have more opportunity in their lives.

When the time comes, please walk around the House and see the new furnishings.  There are new, commissioned carpets in the Blundell and Porritt Rooms, a new marble floor in the Bledisloe Conservatory and everywhere new curtains, colours and modern style mixed elegantly with the Edwardian roots of this hundred-year-old state mansion number one.  The triple bi-pass and double hip replacement it has undergone means we are all safe and the services work well.

Above all, enjoy the hospitality of this House and this marvellous Auxiliary.  Let the games begin!