Okain's Bay Māori and Colonial Museum

May 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: Nigel Hampton QC, Chair of the Okain's Bay Māori and Colonial Museum Trust and fellow members of your board; Murray Thacker, Director of the Museum; the Museum's custodians; Dr Rodney Wilson, Kaumatua and kuia of Ngāi Tahu;  Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to Okain's Bay for the reopening of the Waka Shed here at the Okain's Bay Māori and Colonial Museum.

I have been asked to officially reopen this building but before I do I would like to speak as the significance of this museum.

The Okain's Bay Māori and Colonial Museum has formally been a part of this community since Murray Thacker gifted it to the community on Waitangi Day 1977. 

I understand it has been open to the public everyday, except Christmas Day, ever since, which is a fantastic effort given the total reliance on volunteers.

The Marae and its buildings as well as the many colonial buildings are an amazingly diverse and fascinating collection.   I believe the Trust has recently added the Akaroa Grandstand to its collection and that it is estimated that the Museum holds more than 20,000 artefacts, including some that date to pre-colonial times.

Okain's Bay has a proud history.  It is believed to be the first landing place of Ngāi Tahu and I understand the Waitangi Day celebrations here are some of the most long-standing in the South Island.

This refurbishment of this waka shed, supported by a grant from the Christchurch City Council, reflects the healthy spirit of community effort that is so evident on the Banks Peninsula.

Volunteerism is the glue that holds our society together and it seems not to be in short supply in Okain's Bay.  

So I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone who has been invoved in this project, but in particular Mr Thacker for his generosity and commitment to the Musuem and to the Bay.

And so it is with much pleasure that as Governor-General I officially declare this waka hall open.

And on that note, I will 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.