Realise the Dream Dinner

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 the evening (Sign)

May I specifically acknowledge you: Neville Jordan, President of the Royal Society of New Zealand and fellow councillors, Hon Margaret Austin; Hon Pete Hodgson, Minister of Research, Science & Technology; Sponsors of the Awards; Finalists and Award recipients; Our international visitors; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

My wife Susan and I warmly welcome you to Government House for this Realise the Dream Awards Dinner.

As Patron of the Royal Society of New Zealand, I would like to take a brief opportunity to speak about the importance of research and education in science, mathematics, technology and the social sciences in advancing New Zealand's economic prosperity.

From the earliest days, New Zealanders seem to have an innate interest in science that has attracted international attention.  Almost 130 years ago, Charles Darwin, wrote that: "The extent to which science is cultivated in New Zealand always excites my admiration."

And cultivate it we have.  From seminal work in understanding the inner workings of the atom, to helping unravel the mysteries of DNA, to providing a key impetus to the American space programme, to discovering plastics that could conduct electricity, to understanding the gravitational field around black holes and the nature of meteorites, New Zealanders have added themselves to those who can be termed world leaders in their field. 

The ones to which I have referred are but a few examples and many more could be given the social sciences, literature and the arts.  The late Professor Alan MacDiarmid, who won the 2000 Nobel Prize, put it well when he compared the achievements of his birthplace with those of the American city he lived in: "The total population of New Zealand is less than that of the city in which I live and yet New Zealand and New Zealanders have excelled and risen to the top throughout time. You hear much more about what New Zealanders are doing than what the people of Philadelphia are doing."

Many have contemplated why this might be so and many explanations have been proffered.  They vary from a can-do attitude to a make-do attitude through to references about Number Eight fencing wire.  But I think Kiwi writer Helen Brown put it well when she said:

"From an outsider's perspective, New Zealand seems to be poised on a creative vortex, where ordinary people are quietly inspired to produce things of unique styles and beauty.  I'm not sure why it happens.  Maybe it's to do with the clarity of vision that springs from isolation; a small population and plenty of space enabling people to have a crack at anything; the proximity of the sea and exquisite landscapes; the influence of Polynesian culture. And I guess a teaspoon of self-criticism comes in handy."

Many of the qualities I have just mentioned are evident in the finalists and winners of the awards of the Realise the Dream programme who are here tonight.  The more than 40 finalists and the award winners have been chosen from hundreds of students who were nominated at regional science and technology fairs and other events throughout the country.  You are out of the ordinary young people who have exhibited excellence in research and technological practice.  Congratulations are due on your achievements!

That New Zealand needs more young people interested in pursuing careers in the sciences, mathematics, social sciences and technology goes without saying.  It is people working in these areas, as well as in our creative industries and in business and industry, that will be at the heart of the innovative new industries of the future.

I recently gave an address at a senior secondary school prize giving in which I made the point that many would finish their careers in 50 years' time in industries and occupations that simply don't exist today.  A good example is the cell phone industry which today employs millions of people worldwide, in designing, making, selling and operating them.  Yet even 25 years ago, the industry simply did not exist.

That is why programmes such as Realise The Dream are so important. What this programme provides is an opportunity, not only to reward and celebrate those who have done well, but also to demonstrate to young people and their parents that there are worthwhile careers to be had in science and technology. 

It also gives the young people who have achieved, an opportunity to meet those who are working in science and technology, expanding the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding. 

And that seems to be not only good for them, but also for working scientists.  It was New Zealand scientist Ernest, Lord Rutherford of Nelson, who was one of the first to realise that great things come about when senior scientists work collaboratively with graduate and postgraduate students rather than in isolation.  In addition to his own discoveries, another important contribution to science as Director of the Cavendish Laboratory was the many discoveries of what were termed his "scientific children."

In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Royal Society of New Zealand for organising this event.  I also thank the sponsors for their generous support.  The future of science in this country looks well assured with so many young people about to "Realise the Dream."

I began speaking in all the New Zealand realm languages.  May I close by speaking in Maori issuing greetings and wishing you good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.