Royal Forest and Bird Society art auction

I greet you all in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - 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)

May I specifically greet you: Peter Madison, President of the Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society; Mike Britton, General Manager of the Society; Artists who have donated their work; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is with pleasure that my wife Susan and I host this charity art auction for the Society at Government House in Wellington this evening.

I speak to you this evening not only in my capacity as Governor-General but also as Patron of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society. 

Since it was formed more than 80 years ago, the Society has evolved to become New Zealand's largest independent national conservation organisation, dedicated to preserving and protecting our nation's native plants and animals and its natural features.

The Society is active on a wide range of conservation and environmental issues, including the protection of native forests, tussock grasslands, wetlands, coastlines and marine ecosystems, energy and resource conservation, sustainable fisheries and sustainable land management. 

While it has a team of professional conservation staff with scientific, resource management and advocacy skills, Forest & Bird's strength comes from its thousands of members in more than 50 branches throughout the country.

It is these, if you'll excuse the pun, "grass-roots" volunteers who run its local campaigns, undertake conservation programmes in their regions and act as the Forest & Bird's "eyes and ears."

The work of the Society has value in many respects.  At the highest level, through its advocacy and hands on work to preserve New Zealand's natural environment, the Society is helping to protect a part of what makes this nation special.  New Zealanders take pride internationally in their "clean, green image" and Forest & Bird keeps us honest by ensuring that our actions match our words. 

By engaging many volunteers who give of their time, skills and money to back Forest & Bird's programmes, the organisation helps build the fabric that gives strength to New Zealand society.  Through its Kiwi Conservation Club, it engages with young New Zealanders and shows them the value of volunteering.

Equally importantly, Forest & Bird adds strength to New Zealand's democracy.  Democracy is more than casting a vote every three years.  It is about participating in a variety of civic processes from voting, serving on juries, standing for office and making submissions.

Becoming involved in the democratic process by making submissions on resource consent applications and district, regional and national plans is part of our civic responsibilities. 

As a private organisation, Forest & Bird relies on the support and generosity of the public through subscriptions, donations, bequests and fundraising evening such as this online charity art auction.

The standing with which the Society and its work are held in the community is evident from the quality of artwork that has been donated for auction.  The paintings, sculptures and drawings are by some of New Zealand's most prominent artists, along with many new and emerging artists.  All of them show the immense inspiration provided by our nation's dramatic landscapes and unique native flora and fauna.

I am advised that proceeds from the auction will go towards Forest & Bird's work for greater protection for the endangered Hector and Maui dolphins, and for greater protection of the South Island high country's landscapes and native species through a network of conservation parks.

As Patron of the Royal Forest and Bird Society I would like to thank the artists who have donated their art works and all the staff and volunteers that have worked on bringing this event together.

To close it seems appropriate to quote a nineteen century New Zealand auctioneer's opening remarks at horse auction: "As sound as a bell of brass, and fit to run for a man's life—now then gentlemen, how much?"

And on that note, let the auction begin!

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