Speech
Royal NZ SPCA Diamond Jubilee Medallion presentation
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Welcome
Rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I extend warm greetings to you all.
I specifically acknowledge: Bob Kerridge, National President of the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and members of the Board; Hon David Carter, Minister of the Crown; and the 116 medallion recipients – tēnā koutou katoa.
It is a great pleasure for Janine and me to welcome you all to Government House today for this Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medallion Presentation Ceremony, and Reception.
This is a very special occasion for us all. As the representative of Her Majesty, The Queen of New Zealand, and as Patron of the Society, I am honoured to congratulate 116 individuals who have given meritorious volunteer service to the Royal New Zealand SPCA.
I now invite Mr Niels Holm, Official Secretary at Government House, to announce those who are to receive a Royal New Zealand SPCA Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Volunteer Medallion.
Concluding remarks
This evening we celebrate two significant events. The first is the Diamond Jubilee of The Queen of New Zealand, who has dedicated herself to the service of others for 60 years. The second is the contribution that 116 SPCA volunteers have made, with the same spirit of service demonstrated by Her Majesty.
In that vein, it is appropriate to reflect on the life of dedicated service that Her Majesty, The Queen of New Zealand has given. Her example is an inspiration to us all. Among many things, she is admired for her dignity, her promotion of charitable organisations and royal patronages, and her dedication to her duties.
The Queen’s patronages number more than 600. A significant number of those she inherited from her father, King George VI, on her accession. Some of Her Majesty’s patronages are concerned with animals, and as many here will know, one of Her Majesty’s patronages is the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which was founded in London in 1824.
The very first SPCA in New Zealand was established in 1882, in Dunedin. The Society spread quickly throughout our country and has remained committed to advancing the welfare of animals by preventing cruelty, alleviating suffering, and educating the public at large about looking after the animals in their care. It gives a voice and endeavour to those who cannot speak or act for themselves.
Now celebrating its 130th anniversary, the Royal New Zealand SPCA has long been the bedrock for the care and protection of our nation’s animals, as it will continue to be in the future. The 60,000 animals that go through the doors of SPCA centres nationwide each year is testament to that!
The work the Royal New Zealand SPCA carries out contributes significantly to the fabric of our society. You can see the enthusiasm New Zealanders have for your work with the support they give on Cupcake Day. That saw more than 90,000 cupcakes baked and $250,000 raised nationwide.
I should mention that there is a special SPCA connection to our family, and Government House, where a certain vice-regal ginger cat - “Boots” - now presides. Boots is an SPCA cat and is often seen exploring both this House, and its extensive grounds, for which he is now “King”. From his humble start in life; his assistance by the SPCA and adoption into our family; he now lives in the lap of Vice-Regal luxury which, it seems fair to say, has to be one of the best possible outcomes for an SPCA animal!
On a more serious note, this evening we have recognised the lifeblood of the Society – its dedicated volunteers. These people are some of the 1000 Royal New Zealand SPCA volunteers who play a critical part in espousing the work of the SPCA, and who are being recognised throughout New Zealand. Their work, their time and effort in a variety of ways provides great strength to this organisation.
On the occasion of this Royal New Zealand SPCA Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Volunteer Medallion Presentation, we thank those individuals who have been recognised this evening for their contribution and service to the Society. Your example of service indicates the better side of humanity, and it is marvellous because it motivates others to follow.
On the occasion of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, as she rededicates herself to our service, we thank her for her contribution and service to New Zealand. Gracious and noble, long may she reign over us—God Save The Queen.
Kia ora huihui tātou katoa. This ends the formal part of the evening. I now invite you all to enjoy the hospitality of the House. Please also take this opportunity to look around our home.