Lytton High School

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in 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 morning (Sign)

May I specifically greet you: Jim Corder, Principal and your  teaching staff; parents, boys and girls. 

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to visit LyttonHigh School today. I have been asked to officially open the school's new Outdoor Gymnasium and Sports Centre but before I do, I would like to speak briefly about the role as Governor-General.

When travelling through New Zealand, I am often asked to explain my role.  To do so, I need to provide an explanation of how our system of government works.

I am sure you may know that New Zealand is a monarchy, which means that our formal Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II.  Because she is in London, she needs someone based in New Zealand to represent her.  That person is the Governor-General.

New Zealand is a democracy which means that the people of New Zealand elect the Members of Parliament (or MPs).  The Prime Minister is the MP able to lead Parliament because of having the support of more than half of the Members present in it.  That side, which is what is called 'the Majority', forms the Government.

The first part of the role is a legal one.  When the Government in Parliament passes laws by voting in favour of a new law, those laws need to be signed in the name of The Queen in order to become part of the law of the country.  The Governor-General gives assent for the laws and needs to be sure the laws have been properly passed. 

The Governor-General also signs other important documents appointing people to be Judges, Diplomats and Heads of Government Ministries and Departments.  Most importantly, I recently signed the documents that authorised this year's General Election to be held on November 8.  After the election, I will formally appoint as Prime Minister, the leader of the party that can command a majority in Parliament. All of this is called the Governor-General's constitutional role. 

The second part of the role is ceremonial. This means that the Governor-General represents the country at public ceremonies such as the opening of a new session of Parliament, the welcoming of visiting Heads of State and attending commemorations of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day.  When people are honoured at the New Year and then Queen's Birthday the Governor-General then gives them the medal they have been awarded at a ceremony.

The third part of the role is to do with community leadership.  This means visiting people and places throughout New Zealand attending celebrations and seeing things that people have done well.  This last aspect, the community role, is the part of my job that keeps both me and Susan busy. It involves travelling all around New Zealand visiting schools, launching appeals opening functions, and attending special events. It is also that part of the job which brings me in touch with so many New Zealanders, both young and old.

And it is what has brought me to Gisborne and to your school.   This new outdoor gymnasium, with its combination of both covered and uncovered courts,  will, I am sure, serve your school well and will be much admired when your school celebrates it golden jubilee in a few years' time.

At that time, when the school's alumni return, they will no doubt comment on how Lytton High has changed.  But there will also be a recognition that it was the education they received at this school that was an important factor in their achievements later in life. 

The importance of education is underlined by the school's Latin motto: Ubi lux praelucet which can be translated as where the light shines forth brightly.   Like a light, education not only points to the way ahead, but in the same way it makes bright areas that were dark, also brings knowledge and understanding where previously there had been ignorance.

Being able to follow the light requires more than just books, computers and examinations.  Healthy minds need healthy bodies. Facilities such as this new outdoor gymnasium are important because they provide an outlet for physical education, regardless of the weather.

The point was made well by the French educationalist, Baron de Coubertin, who founded the modern Olympics more a century ago.  Writing of education in New Zealand he said: "In New Zealand one finds oneself well off to have received in the public schools such a strong physical and moral education.  Muscles and character are there the first object of necessity."

And on that note, I will close in New Zealand's first language Maori, by offering greetings and wishing you good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.

It gives me great pleasure then to declare LyttonHigh School's new Outdoor Gymnasium and Sports Centre officially open.