Opening of Atiu Creek Regional Park

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 it is the afternoon (Sign)

May I specifically greet you: Benefactors Pierre and Jackie Chatelanat; Mike Lee, Chair of the Auckland Regional Council; Sandra Coney; Chair of the Parks and Heritage Committee and Deputy Chair Christine Rose; Sir Brian Lochore, Chair of the QEII National Trust; Ben de Thierry, Oruawharo Ki Ngati Whatua kaumatua; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to attend the opening of the Atiu Creek Regional Park.

As Governor-General of New Zealand I have been given the privilege of officially opening this new regional park, and just before I do, I wish to speak briefly as to its significance.

Our country has been blessed by scenery, and flora and fauna, that have made it the envy of the world.  On Arbor Day 74 years ago my predecessor in office, Lord Bledisloe, spoke of the "mysterious treasure trove" that is our native flora and fauna.  He believed our scenery was one of its most valuable assets and accurately predicted that the tourists who flocked to see it would, one day, underpin one of the major business activities of this country.  But he expressed the opinion that New Zealanders often didn't realise the value of their forests, and I quote:

"To an extent unparalleled in any other territory of similar area in the world, New Zealand's trees are her own exclusive property.  They are true "New Zealanders" for at least 89 percent of them are to be found in no other part of the globe.  No country in the world has been more luxuriantly clothed by Nature than New Zealand.  In few, if any, have the beauty and permanent value of her natural vestment been so inadequately appreciated or treasured by past generations."

Thankfully times and attitudes have greatly changed and nowhere is this more evident than here at Atiu Creek Regional Park.

While Pierre Chatelanat bought this property to farm in 1951, he resisted the temptation, so common before that era, to completely clear it.  Large tracts of native forest and wetlands, supporting a range of flora and fauna, were not only protected but also enhanced, providing significant habitats for several nationally threatened bird species, including the North Island brown kiwi.  Many trees were also planted.

I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the Auckland Regional Council, which has prepared this property to join its stable of regional parks.  While Auckland's governance has often been the subject of much debate, one thing I am sure that all will be agreed upon, is the value of these parks and the wisdom of earlier councils that decided to establish them as open spaces. 

In our increasingly fast moving modern world, the opportunity to escape to an area of wilderness—so close to the city—to amble, have a picnic or to camp and just regain one's sanity, is so important.  I am confident that this park will be well used for a host of recreational activities for many, many years to come.  As John Muir, the American conservationist who founded the Sierra Club once remarked:   "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."

Finally, I now turn to Pierre and Jackie Chatelanat.  On behalf of all New Zealanders, I would like to offer deepest thanks to you.  I thank you for placing a QEII Open Space Covenant over this property and I hope many others will follow your example.  And, most importantly, I thank you for your generosity in gifting this property to the nation so it may enjoyed forever by all New Zealanders.

That this beautiful park now lies beneath our feet reflects not only your commitment and dedication, but also your deeper understanding that in the natural history of an area, our individual ownership of any parcel of land is only for a fleeting moment in time.  People and communities may come and go, but the land endures.  We are never more than custodians of the land, its kaitiaki.

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 to declare the Atiu Creek Regional Park officially open.