Opening of the St John Youth & Health Services Building

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: Martin Gallagher, David Bennett and Sue Moroney, members of Parliament; Members of the Order of St John, Ladies and Gentlemen and St John Cadets.

Thank you for the opportunity to take part in this ceremony to dedicate and receive this property in the name of the Order of St John. 

One of the traditional adjuncts to being Governor-General in New Zealand is to be Prior and nominal head of St John.  It involves duties of the conduct of Investitures and chairing meetings of the governing body the Priory Chapter,  My wife Susan and I also see the work of St John in many different facets as we travel to many parts of our country. 

As well as seeing at first hand the service given by so many New Zealanders to their communities, we have also had the opportunity to see some of the centres from which St John delivers its service in the interests of the general community.

It is clear that this fine complex blends together two important facets of St John activity - its ever important and expanding Youth programme and the health services that directly support the community.

Through the Youth parades that precede Investitures and at the presentation of Prior's Awards, my wife Susan and I have seen at close quarters, the enthusiasm and commitment of St John cadets. 

The programmes undertaken here will enhance the work that the organisation is doing to help the personal, social and career development of many young New Zealanders.  The people involved here will be answering a challenge to engage with the community - and very often as volunteers.

That volunteer work continues a proud tradition of St John to care for our communities and for each other as members of a united organisation seeking to enhance the health and well-being of all New Zealanders.

I add thanks for everything that you may be doing for the Order of St John and for our communities.

I thus have much pleasure as Prior of the Order of St John to now officially declare this building open.

And on the note I have endeavoured to strike of congratulation and optimism for the future, I will close in our country's first language, Maori, by offering greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.