Padma Vibhushan Award
May I welcome 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 the morning (Sign)
Then in the context of today, may I add the greetings Namaste, Namashkar, Kam Cho, Sat Sri Akaal and Salaam Walaikum.
May I then specifically acknowledge you: Honourable Minister for Commerce and Industry for the Government of India, Mr Kamal Nath; Your Excellency, Mr Kadakath Pathrose Ernest, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand; June, Lady Hillary and members of your family; Distinguished Guests otherwise, including a number of people from New Zealand's Indian community; Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is with much pleasure that my wife Susan and I welcome you to Government House in Auckland this morning for the presentation of the Padma Vibhushan.
I have been asked to say a few words of welcome and will keep my remarks brief. This award, which is among the highest civilian awards in India, is further recognition of the high esteem with which the late Sir Edmund Hillary was held. Sir Edmund was one of just thirteen people living outside India or of non-Indian origin to receive this award in the years since its installation in 1954.
Lady Hillary and the Hillary and Mulgrew families have mourned the loss of a husband, father and grandfather. New Zealanders have mourned the loss of a man described as the greatest New Zealander of the 20th Century and a mentor to many who have followed in his footsteps.
This award by Her Excellency the President of India, President Pratibha Patil, is further recognition of how much Sir Edmund's death in January this year affected people in a number of parts of the world.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II paid tribute to Sir Edmund with a special service at Windsor Castle in England in April and now the Indian Government through the Padma Vibhushan honours him further.
Through his charitable work and his work as New Zealand's High Commissioner to India, Sir Edmund did much to enhance relations between our two countries and that contribution will never be forgotten.
Minister, High Commissioner, Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome again to Government House and thank you for attending this morning's ceremony. Before calling on you Minister, may I close in New Zealand's first language Maori offering everyone best wishes and 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 pleasure that I now yield the podium to you Honourable Minister for Commerce and Industry, Mr Kamal Nath.