Reception at the New Zealand Residence in Port Moresby

May 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 evening (Sign)

May I the specifically greet you: Sir Dr Puka Temu, Deputy Prime Minister; Your Excellency Niels Holm, High Commissioner for New Zealand to Papua New Guinea and Mrs Suzette Holm; Your Excellency William Dihm, High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea to New Zealand; Distinguished guests otherwise including many from the business diplomatic and expatriate communities; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

To our Papua New Guinea friends here, I also say: iving olgeta.

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and myself and our party to this reception here at the New Zealand Residence in Port Moresby which in the shorthand planning underlying our visit here has been called “The NZ Inc” function.

It is more than 20 years since a New Zealand Governor-General has undertaken a State Visit to Papua New Guinea, when my predecessor Archbishop Sir Paul Reeves visited in 1988. The programme is both comprehensive and impressive and I congratulate everyone for the work they have put in and I thank everyone for the goodwill with which we have been received.

This visit is characterised by three things – providing evidence of friendship and the importance of that friendship in New Zealand eyes – attending ceremonial events and achieving connection with the community, especially where there is a New Zealand association. 

I am sure the various meetings we have had, beginning today, the briefings we will attend, the people we will meet, and exhibitions we will view, will give us a better insight into Papua New Guinea’s development, its interests and how our two countries can enhance what is an already strong relationship.  

The close and friendly connection between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand is founded on a shared heritage.  That includes our Commonwealth membership and the foundation of our systems of government being on common parliamentary and legal principles and traditions. It includes our participation in the affairs of this special part of the world.

But it also based on a wide range of people-to-people contacts and relationships.  In my address to the State Dinner last night, I focused on the high-level connections.  I noted, for example, visits by New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Hon John Key, to Papua New Guinea earlier this year, and the bilateral meeting Mr Key and Sir Michael held en route to the APEC Summit in Peru late last year.  I also noted Sir Paulias’ visit to New Zealand in 2006 as one of a number of high-level visits by senior Papua New Guinea figures.

While those high-level relationships are important, for any international relationship to prosper, more is needed.  In the case of our countries, there are many other linkages.

These are, for example, links between our respective defence forces; sporting links, particularly in rugby league, and a steady though modest stream of visitors in both directions. We have a useful trade relationship, and I hope this visit contributes towards encouraging increased interest in New Zealand in its potential.  There also links between groups such as the Guides, the Scouts, the Order of St John and a number of churches as well as the work of organisations such as Volunteer Service Abroad.

Many of those business and community links are maintained by many of the people here.  I am advised that there are more than 2000 New Zealanders living and working in Papua New Guinea. Your work continues to help foster the relationship between our two countries and for that I register acknowledgement and thanks.

New Zealand sees itself as an old Pacific friend and regional partner of Papua New Guinea.  As a friend, New Zealand was able help bring peace to Bougainville and is committed to ensuring its ongoing stability.  New Zealand is also committed to assisting Papua New Guinea and its people in improving a range of services, particularly in education, health and communication and addressing many of the development challenges this beautiful country faces.

Our two visits today, to the Bomana War Cemetery and to the Anglicare StopAids Office have already highlighted both our shared heritage in the tragedy of the Second World War, and many of the development challenges Papua New Guinea faces.

In conclusion, may my wife Susan and I and our party reiterate deep thanks to everyone having an association with out visit.  I am confident that much valuable knowledge and information will be absorbed and shared and we will each leave with a better understanding of our respective countries' interests and have a platform for furtherance.

And on that note, I seek to close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, offering greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours. 

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.