Speech
Official opening of Porirua College's three new learning houses
I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, 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: Povalu Kelemete, Chairperson of the Board and your fellow trustees; Susanne Jungerson and Ana Rees, Principal and Deputy Principal respectively; Your Worship Jenny Brash, Mayor of Porirua; Luamanuvao Hon Winnie Laban Member of Parliament for Mana; kaumatua and kuia; students and parents; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.
Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and me to be present at the opening of Porirua College’s new school buildings. I have been asked to do the official opening but before I do I would like to speak about this College and the significance of these new buildings and event.
The Office of Governor-General has a special connection with this school. In 1968, my predecessor Sir Arthur Porritt, Governor-General at the time, officially opened Porirua College. Sir Arthur was the first New Zealand-born Governor-General who had after initial schooling in this country gone to the United Kingdom and in his time was a scholar, an Olympic athlete and consultant surgeon to the Royal Family.
Over forty years on from the opening, with the College experiencing extensive redevelopment, it is fitting that, in my role as Governor-General, I am able to officially open what could be described as the “new” face of Porirua College.
Although today is the completion of the second stage of a four stage building programme, today represents a significant milestone for the College.
The new learning houses, named Kenepuru, Rangituhi, and Whitireia, and, I am told, designed by Opus Architects, will help bring about many increased learning opportunities for Porirua College students.
From what I read up so far about these houses, with their flexible working spaces, it will be possible for students to use wireless technology on laptops, and each of them will be a wonderful asset to students, staff and the community.
I was pleased to learn of this College’s vision which is expressed as “developing powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in the service of their communities”.
Further to this, the College’s values are of equal importance. Mutual respect, commitment to each other and to the Porirua community, and excellence in everything you do are excellent values to hold and practise. I encourage all students to put these into practice in your own lives.
With all due respect to the young people here who may favour Holdens and Toyotas over Fords, I have found something useful said by Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company. He made a comment once that speaks much of life and learning. He said:
“Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.”
Although Henry Ford was a very successful businessman, in his time his journey was not without its troubles. I urge you all then to press on and strive to achieve the very best that you can. These new learning houses, Kenepuru, Rangituhi, and Whitireia will give you the opportunity to improve and achieve in your learning.
I am sure that the staff at Porirua College and of course, the students, are eager to begin use of these new buildings so I shall not delay their formal opening for a moment longer.
With a sense of anticipation, therefore, in the value that Kenepuru, Rangituhi, and Whitireia will bring to this school and to the entire community, I will now close in New Zealand's first language Māori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours.
No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.
As Governor-General, it gives me great pleasure to declare Porirua College’s new learning houses, Kenepuru, Rangituhi, and Whitireia officially open.
For more photos of this event, please click here.