Reception for Association of Former MPs
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 and the sun has set (Sign "Good Evening").
May I specifically greet you: Hon Peter Gresham, retiring President of the Association of Former Members of the New Zealand Parliament; Allan Wallbank, incoming President; Alastair Webster and Tony Lamb, of the Association of Former Members of the Australian Parliament; Distinguished Guests all and you represent a gamut of former Parliamentarians - Members, Cabinet Members and Speakers of the House; Ladies and Gentlemen.
My wife Susan and I warmly welcome you to Government House in Auckland this evening, continuing the longstanding tradition that the incumbent Governor-General hosts an annual reception for former members of Parliament. We hope that you enjoy the ambience of this fine place which has been the home of Governor-Generals for some 40 years.
Unlike last year's gathering in Government House in Wellington, this evening we gather north of the Bombay Hills, in a break from tradition.
It is timely to be aware that Government House in Wellington will close later this year for a significant conservation project. The tasks, which affect roof, plumbing, electricity and drains, will be undertaken over as much as three years, will allow the venerable old House, which will soon be a century old and has housed 19 Governors or Governors General, to be fit for the purpose for the next 100 years.
And so, when resident in the Capital, we will live in Lower Hutt at what is to be renamed, from the start of 2009, as Government House Vogel.
But we will also spend, as we do already, a good proportion of our time at Government House Auckland when we are not on the road travelling in some part of our country or making a journey to serve an aspect of New Zealand's interests abroad.
While Susan and I have spent a significant part of the last part of our lives in the Capital, Auckland will always be the city where we both grew up and so we naturally feel at home here.
Having Parliamentarians visit us is nothing unusual for us. Jim McLay and the late David Lange were visitors when we lived in Auckland and the late Trevor de Cleene was wont to materialise when I first served as a judge in Palmerston North. I also remember MPs visiting my parents' home in Glen Innes. In the ten years after 1995 when I was a working Ombudsman I had occasion to meet and work with many MPs on all sides of the House. It is therefore a pleasure to again see so many familiar faces.
There is a public perception that in politics, the cut and thrust of political life, means that politicians from opposing sides of the House have little do with each other and that friendships are rare.
This Association—with a former National Cabinet minister as its outgoing President and a former Labour MP as its incoming President—suggests otherwise.
Contrary to the public perception, the reality is that without give and take from all sides, Parliament simply wouldn't be able operate.
Behind the scenes in select committee discussions, for example, while each party's representatives are keen to have their voice heard, much co-operative work occurs resulting in better legislation.
And that is not just something that has occurred since the advent of MMP. It has always been a feature of parliamentary practice in this country and, as our Australian visitors could probably attest, in many other Westminster democracies as well.
Most MPs once they decide to leave the political life behind them for good, move on to other careers.
I think it is worth noting that even late in life, some of us can have a comeback. Since last year's reception, one of your longest standing members, the Rt Hon Bob Tizard, who retired in 1990 after 30 years service in Parliament, was elected as a member of the Auckland District Health Board.
Bob Tizard's election, however, reflects more widely on the experience, wisdom and knowledge gathered here tonight. You have all given much service to our country and indeed, continue to do so. As Mahatma Gandhi once said:
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
And on that note, I will I close in our country's first language, Maori, 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.