Ranfurly Home

I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language. Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the morning  (Sign)

I then specifically greet you: David McGregor, Chairman of the Ranfurly Trust, Graeme McKay, Chairman, Ranfurly Veteran Care Ltd and fellow director Chris Mullane ONZM , Michael Martin, Chief Executive and your staff; Veterans and Residents; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

Thank you for inviting me to visit the Ranfurly Veterans Home and Hospital.  I have three points I would like to make.

The first is about history.  This facility is named after Sir John Ranfurly, the Earl of Ranfurly who was Governor from 1897 to 1904.  As Governor during the Boer War he worked assiduously to promote the imperial cause.  But he was also concerned to honour the men who had fought in Queen Victoria’s name, for example, hosting a gathering for veterans at what is now Old Government House in central Auckland.

While there was a place for statues and memorials, Ranfurly preferred a ‘living memorial’ and he suggested the construction of a home for war veterans as a national war memorial.  And so it was that after a national fundraising effort that Ranfurly adroitly promoted, that he laid the foundation stone on Empire Day 1903.

More than a century later, Ranfurly Veterans Home and Hospital continues to serve New Zealand’s war veterans, both as a residential facility and as a war memorial.   As Governor-General, there was no question when I took on the role in August 2006 that I would be Patron of the Ranfurly Trust.

My second point refers to standards of care.  I have become very conscious of this need for aged care facilities in the Governor-General role.  I have previously opened new facilities at Sprott House and Te Hopai Home in Wellington and Glenwood Masonic Hospital’s new home in Masterton.

As New Zealand’s population continues to age, and with medical advances ensuring we all live longer, it seems there will continue to be a role for facilities such as those provided here. 

I understand that the Ranfurly Trust is looking to a major redevelopment of the site.  That project, which is due to start early next year, will see the Trust well placed to meet future needs and I wish you all the best with that work.

My final point refers to recognition.  Growing old is a part of life and it is important that older New Zealanders and their achievements and contribution are respected and acknowledged. 

This is particularly so for those New Zealanders who served their country in times of war and lost many of their friends.  To the veterans here today, I thank you for your service to New Zealand.

So in conclusion, I want to congratulate the Trust and the staff of the Ranfurly Veterans Home and Hospital for your work in caring for New Zealand’s elderly and particularly its veterans.  I also want to reiterate my thanks for the invitation to visit today.

To close, I will offer the words of New Zealand writer, the late Bub Bridger, who commented, with typically acerbic wit on her approach to the ageing process.  She said: “I refuse to grow old in any way but reluctantly and as bold as brass.”

And on that note I will close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.