Speech
Reception hosted by NZ Rugby League
Thank you Wayne Mowat, Master of Ceremonies.
I greet everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - English, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau. Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni. Because of the contribution to New Zealand by Pasifika, I add greetings in Samoan and Tongan Talofa lava, malo e leilei. Greetings to you all and to the British Rugby League team, welcome.
In particular , I greet you Hon Damien O'Connor, Minister of Tourism and Minister of Corrections, Nigel Wood, Chief Executive of the British Rugby League, Andrew Chalmers, acting chairman of the NZ Rugby League, Peter Leitch, manager of the NZ team, Deputy Mayor of Wellington, Alick Shaw, Mario Fenech (former player from Australia, and guest speaker), former coach Graeme Lowe, organisers of this event Gerry Morris and Bernie Wood, players, supporters, ladies and gentlemen.
I wish to recognise, and with particular pleasure, a standout New Zealander, Tawera Nikau, who I had the honour of investing as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit just weeks ago for his services to rugby league and the community. In my role, I have to be the Governor- General for all New Zealanders and I will do that to the best of my ability. Luckily, I am one of those people whose adrenalin rises whenever a New Zealand team - be it Netball, Hockey, Rugby, or Rugby League goes on to the court or pitch.
In this company, though, it will be known that there is a special place for Rugby League. As a number in this room know, I am a CarlawPark man. I was first introduced to Peter Leitch on one of those gangway entrances to the stand by Hone Kaa. I still think that the animated crowd roar in that wooden Carlaw Number One stand amidst the smell of liniment is one of the finest recollections imaginable. I have followed Kiwi League teams since when Cliff Johnson and Maunga Emery and Joe Ratima were in the scrum and Cyril Eastlake and Tommy Baxter in the backs.
It is a grand game and if I may indulge my legal and rules background for a moment, the reasons that it is a grand game include the emphasis on ball distribution brought about by the six tackle rule and the uncomplicated rules about scrummaging.
It is also a grand game because our people from this country have been encouraged to go and improve it elsewhere. So the Sorenson brothers and the Paul brothers in the United Kingdom and Gary Freemans and Olsen Filipainas to those in the NRL Telstra competition today you have done and you continue to do our country proud.
May I welcome our visitors from the UK and offer encouragement for a fine game in a fine venue on Saturday.
No reira tena koutou tena koutou katoa