Official Opening of Jeffrey Wall Wing of Addis House

Ladies and Gentlemen, I greet you 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 (Sign)

Specifically I greet you: Russell McIlroy, President of the New Zealand Cancer Society; Dalton Kelly, Chief Executive of the NZ Cancer Society; Bill Bly, the Executive Chairperson of the Manawatu Centre; Sue Fuller, Manawatu Centre Manager; members of Parliament, the Hon Steve Maharey and Simon Power; Your Worship Maureen Reynolds, Mayor of the Manawatu District; Dave Colling, Deputy Mayor of the Tararua District; and Distinguished Guests otherwise.

Thank you for inviting Susan and me to attend the opening of the Jeffrey Wall Wing of Addis House, a new addition to the Manawatu Centre of the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

I speak to you today on three counts, firstly as Governor-General, secondly as Patron of the Cancer Society of New Zealand and thirdly as a former resident of Palmerston North.

Susan and I spent a number of years here during the 1980s while I served as a District Court Judge and I always enjoy visiting Palmerston North. I am pleased this particular visit is to celebrate the opening of a new community and regional resource.

The Jeffrey Wall Wing heralds another chapter in the life of Addis House, the Cancer Society's Manawatu headquarters. The new wing is a community initiative, made possible by the bequest of the Wall family and the contribution of local architects, builders, sponsors and individuals.

As the Cancer Society receives no direct Government funding, donations from the public support its efforts within the community. Events such as the Relay for Life and Daffodil Day have generated more than $2 million for the Manawatu region of the Cancer Society in the last five years.

The Jeffrey Wall Wing will provide new facilities for psycho-oncology staff and various groups including men's support, yoga, meditation, and living with Cancer workshops.

I am advised there is also potential to increase the number of services in future, including health promotion activities such as smoking cessation workshops.

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in New Zealand and worldwide. In 2000 it was the cause of about 29 percent of all deaths in New Zealand.  Research in 2002 by the Ministry of Health predicted cancer deaths would reach around 9000 by 2012.

The Cancer Society helps those affected by cancer by providing a wealth of knowledge and support. These are often the most valuable resources a family can receive during a very difficult time.

I commend all those involved in the construction of the Jeffrey Wall Wing and the Cancer Society of Manawatu for their continuing support for those with cancer.

I began speaking in all the New Zealand realm languages.  May I close by speaking in Maori, 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

I would now like to declare the Jeffrey Wall Wing officially open.