Opening of Sai Centre

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in 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 morning.[sign].  In the context of this morning's event may I add the greeting Namaste Namashkar, Kam Cho, Ji Sai Ram.

May I specifically greet you: Bhukhan Parbhu, the chairman of the Sathya Sai Service Organisation in Wellington and  members of the executive committee; Your Excellency Kadakath Pathrose Ernest, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand; Ian McKinnon, Deputy Mayor of Wellington; Distinguished Guests otherwise; ladies and gentlemen.

My wife Susan and I are delighted to be with you today for the opening of this beautifully renovated home of the Sathya Sai Service Organisation in Wellington.

While the Wellington Sai Centre was founded in 1983, it has been here in this historic building since 1993.  However, I am told that this building is more than a century old, and that it was built as a Masonic Lodge.

The change in the use of the building is yet another demonstration of how New Zealand and Wellington have change since that time.

At the turn of the twentieth century, the people who lived in Wellington were overwhelming migrants from Britain and Ireland. In terms of religion, they were mainly Protestants—including of course members of the Masonic Lodge.

The city of Wellington of today, one hundred and more years on, is more ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse. The migrants who settle here today are from more countries around the world than there have ever been, and I think it is possible to say that Wellingtonians have gathered in the new diversity in the city's culture.

Even so, the notion of patting ourselves on the back is something we should approach with caution. Whilst New Zealanders are by temperament very tolerant people, we also need to continue to work on gaining a real understanding of the cultural and religious differences of others.

To do this our citizens need to be prepared to reach out to others, not only in friendship, but also in service.  

The Sathya Sai organisation in Wellington is clearly dedicated to doing this kind of thing.  As a multi-religious, spiritual and service group, I am advised it is dedicated to promoting the highest human values, service to others and the promotion of interfaith harmony. The organisation thus lives the words of Sai Baba in his pursuit of "Truth, Love, Righteousness, Peace and Non-Violence in everyday living" and as well, the words of Mahatma Gandhi who once said: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

The list of activities regularly undertaken include providing a free meal for the homeless twice a month in collaboration with the Suzanne Aubert Compassion Centre in Wellington Central; running meals on wheels service for invalids in the Eastern Suburbs that is free of cost, and helping at the Mary Potter Hospice in Newtown on a weekly basis.

Members of the organisation have raised most of the funds to strengthen and restore this historic building, in which the Wellington City Council has also played a part.

I would like to congratulate the Sathya Sai Service Organisation on undertaking and completing this project, which not only provides a base for its work but also a place that can be shared with other groups.

I might add that there is a particular point for Susan and me to have empathy for others who have undergone renovation as we are in that position ourselves at the moment.

As will be known, as Governor-General and spouse, we are usually your near neighbours here in Newtown, but as Government House in

On a note therefore of admiration and respect for your organisation, as well as congratulation, as well as empathy, I will close in our country's first language, Maori, offering everyone here greetings and wishing you all 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 then to officially declare the new and improved Sai Centre officially open.