Opening of Holly Lea House

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 afternoon [sign].

May I specifically greet you: Your Worship Bob Parker, Mayor of Christchurch; Nick Clark, Chairman of the McLean Institute's board of governors, and other members of the board; Geoff Tylee-Porter, Institute chief executive; Trudy Begg, manager of Holly Lea, Dr John Wilson, historian; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for inviting me to join you to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the McLean Institute—and to officially open its new retirement village, Holly Lea Lodge.

We are here today because of the great generosity of one Christchurch man—Allan McLean. But we also celebrate the many people who have taken his legacy and brought it to life over the past century.

According to The Guests of Mr McLean, by John Wilson, when Holly Lea was built on this site at the end of the nineteenth century, Christchurch people wondered why a bachelor would want such a big house.

After Allan McLean died, in 1907, his will made the reason clear. The house was to become a home for "gentlewomen" who needed somewhere to live in their old age.

Over the past century, the McLean Institute has provided homes to hundreds of women.

I am sure that Allan McLean would have been very gratified to know that his legacy has been administered so effectively by successive boards of governors.

This is no mean feat. As the late Sir Roy McKenzie, one of New Zealand's best known philanthropists, once said: the giving away of money calls for more skill and judgment than the making of it!

I would like to make particular mention of one board member who has made an outstanding contribution over the past quarter of a century.  Malcolm Ott was appointed to the board in 1984. He was its chair from 1995 to 2000. And he has played a very significant role in the planning for these new buildings, and in the new direction the institute is now taking. 

This wonderful new retirement village will provide a home not only for women, but also for single men and couples. And it will also generate funds to expand the McLean Institute's philanthropic work.

I would like to congratulate the architect, David McKay of Trengrove and Blunt, who was charged with retaining the old Edwardian graciousness of the original Holly Lea in a brand new 21st century residence.

I wish all those who are living in this community now, and those who will live here in the future, a happy and restful retirement.

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

It is with great pleasure that I now declare the new Holly Lea Lodge open.