Kaka Porowini
Terenga Paraoa
E te kōpuni kauika kua ū mai,
tēnei ka mihi.
Tēnā ra koutou kei āku rangatira
Nōkū te maringa, ki te haere mai ki roto I a koutou, kei nga uri o Te Whare Tapu o Nga Puhi, o Ngati Hine, o Ngati Wai, o Ngati Whatua,
Mihi mai!
Mihi mai!
Mihi mai!
Kaka Porowini (wharenui)
Terenga Paraoa (Marae)
to the gathering of esteemed ones
who have arrrived here,
I greet you my chiefs.
I am pleased to be able to be amongst you today, the descendants of Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Wai and Ngāti Whatua.
Thank you for inviting Richard and me to be here today.
As you can imagine, my role takes me to all points on the map in Aotearoa. What makes today special is that Te Tai Tokerau is my ahi kaa.
My story begins with the connections I share with you, and which have sustained me throughout my life. I am grateful for the aroha and support I have received over the years, and I am so proud to be the first Governor-General from Te Tai Tokerau.
I take inspiration from two of my predecessors – Sir Jerry Mateparae and Sir Paul Reeves – who was the first Māori in this role.
Like them, I too come from a modest background. I hope our stories show what’s possible.
No career path can really prepare a Governor-General for the unique constitutional and ceremonial duties we undertake. These include dissolving Parliament as per our constitution, swearing in new governments and opening a new Parliament after elections.
I give Royal assent to legislation passed by MPs in the House, I host investiture ceremonies, formally recognising outstanding New Zealanders for their service to the country. Richard and I have the privilege of welcoming visiting royalty, heads of state and governments along with diplomats – and from time to time, I represent Aotearoa at significant occasions overseas – such as state funerals, coronations, the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.
It’s impossible to fully engage with all 160 of my patronages, but we do try to support them wherever we can.
I know how important it is to maintain those close and special links with all the people that I represent, including in our realm countries such as the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau and the Ross Dependency.
Within Aotearoa, I try to visit outside the main centres whenever I can. Last year, our extended visits included communities in Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, and a visit to Rēkohu, the Chatham Islands.
So much of what is good and just in our communities is due to the efforts of good-hearted people, driven by their sense of service and manaakitanga to others. I know we will meet many more such people over the next few days.
In this instance, Whangārei is the starting point for a four-day visit that will also include Whangaroa, Kaikohe and Kaitaia.
I have lived here and worked with some of you, I have close whānau here, and I know something of the challenges and opportunities for nga iwi o Te Tai Tokerau. I welcome this chance to catch up with old friends and hear what’s top of mind for you.
Over the next few days, I will also make new acquaintances, with people who, in various ways, have seen a need, and have done something about it – whether it be in developing new enterprises, educating tamariki, providing leadership in local government, caring for people with addiction issues, building healthy affordable houses, growing food for their community, or nurturing and celebrating toi Māori.
I will spend time with our precious tamariki and rangatahi, and listen to what they have to say about their concerns, as well as their hopes and dreams for the future.
In these uncertain times, one thing is certain – and that’s our responsibility to bequeath to our young people the sustainable and prosperous future they deserve.
In my dealings with hapu and iwi in Aotearoa, I see a renewed kotahitanga - unity of purpose that drives a desire to share their unique contribution with others. New migrants are contributing and enriching our communities, cementing new bonds with our increasingly diverse peoples.
Iwi Māori are also drawing on the expertise of our tupuna with an understanding of matauranga– and in our dealings with each other ensuring that we reflect our core values such as kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga and whakawhanaungatanga.
By working together to improve the lot of our whanau and communities, we will continue to enrich the country as a whole. Let us celebrate this together.