Speech
Opening of Presbyterian Support Central's new offices
May I begin by greeting 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 as it is the afternoon (Sign)
May I specifically greet you: The Rt Rev Pamela Tankersley, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand; Max Restieaux and Mark Woodard, Deputy Chair and Chief Executive respectively of Presbyterian Support Central; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.
Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and me to attend the opening of the new Offices of Presbyterian Support Central in Thorndon, Wellington, today. I have been asked to formally open the new premises, but before I do, I would like to briefly comment on importance of the religious and welfare sector in the delivery of social services.
Presbyterian Support Central had its genesis, I am told, in a project 98 years ago by a local minister, James Gibb, of St John's Presbyterian Church, to support orphaned and destitute children.
Since that time Presbyterian Support has grown, changing as New Zealand has changed and today, with substantial staff and assets, Presbyterian Support Central is a good brand that the community trusts and a significant organisation that provides services and care to thousands of people from children and families right through to senior citizens.
It is today, in 2007, one of the largest and most comprehensive not-for-profit social service organisations in the country, offering a range of health and welfare services to all, regardless of their background, belief or ability to pay, in Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Horowhenua, Wairarapa and Wellington taking its place alongside Presbyterian Support elsewhere in New Zealand.
In the 98 years, welfare provision has also changed. A century ago New Zealand's welfare provision, while advanced compared with many places in the world, was still in its infancy compared to that that exists today. The State, especially since the advent of Social Security in 1938, plays a leading role in setting standards for welfare and a far greater role in direct welfare provision.
Even so, the religious and welfare sector continues to play a significant and important role. While consistent national standards of care are important, having a variety of service providers allows innovative new practices to be tested and, if successful, to be used elsewhere. In other words, it is a reflection of the notion that one size, doesn't necessarily fit all.
The presence of the religious and welfare sector also allows for significant voluntary input by those whose only reward is to seek to help their fellow citizens. I am advised that within Presbyterian Support Central's region there are hundreds of volunteers who support the organisation's work, either directly in service provision, or with fundraising and other support. The gathering and the marshalling of the effort of those volunteers is something deserving credit in itself.
The move to a single building means that for the first time Presbyterian Support Central's elder care and community and family care programmes are all under one roof. This co-location of programmes also reflects the organisation's commitment to a continuum of care for all those its serves, whether they are children or senior citizens.
In conclusion then I wish to congratulate the board, management and staff of Presbyterian Support Central on the initiative on bring all its services together on this site in Thorndon. I wish you all the best for your ongoing work and your centenary in two years' time.
It is with great pleasure that I declare the new Presbyterian Support Central Offices officially open.
On that note, I will close 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