Speech
Lunch hosted by Mayor of Matamata-Piako
May I begin by greeting everyone 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 the sun has risen (Sign).
May I specifically greet you: Your Worship Hugh Vercoe, Mayor of Matamata-Piako District, and your fellow councillors; Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen.
I thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I, and our party, to Morrinsville for this civic luncheon.
Given that a delightful lunch awaits us, I will keep my remarks brief. First, I would like to thank Your Worship Mr Vercoe for your welcome and for introducing everyone. It never ceases to amaze Susan and I that wherever we travel in New Zealand, we often meet familiar faces.
Secondly, I would like to congratulate you on the recent Morrinsville centenary celebrations. I was unable to attend but have been told that it was a great success.
From 350 people in 1908 when Morrinsville was first gazetted as a Town Board, it is now a thriving rural support town with a population of more than 6000. I'm sure the town's pioneers, such as Sir Steven Allen, would have been greatly pleased with the Morrinsville of a century later.
The strength of your town speaks much of the resilience and fortitude of the people of the Waikato and, indeed of our country. As The Listener columnist Helen Brown once wrote:
"From an outsider's perspective, New Zealand seems to be poised on a creative vortex, where ordinary people are quietly inspired to produce things of unique style and beauty. I'm not sure why it happens. Maybe it's to do with the clarity of vision that springs from isolation; a small population and plenty of space enabling people to have a crack at anything; the proximity of the sea and exquisite landscapes; the influence of Polynesian culture. And I guess a teaspoon of self-criticism comes in handy."
Congratulations Your Worship and everyone, again, on your recent centenary. You have amply shown that where a small population has plenty of space, people can have a crack at anything and succeed.
And on that note, I will I close in Maori offering greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.