Speech
SPCA Education Centre
Ladies and Gentlemen, I greet you in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - English, Maori, CookIsland, Niue and Tokelau.
Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni
May I specifically acknowledge Mayor of North Shore, George Wood and Myra Wood; SPCA Chair, David Frost and SPCA Chief Executive Bob Kerridge and Myra Kerridge.
Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I here this evening and for me to officially open this education facility for the SPCA.
It is often said that the way a community treats its most vulnerable citizens is a measure of its humanity.
That concept can also be extended to animals. We can measure whether a society is humane by how it treats not just its pets, but its working animals and wild animals too.
There is moreover a clear link between kindness to animals and compassion to people.
I believe that New Zealand would register well on any measure of humanity if we were judged on how our animals are treated. Most New Zealanders understand that all animals deserve care, respect and protection and most act accordingly.
However, I am sure the SPCA will be keen for me to emphasise that not all animals in New Zealand are treated with the respect they are due. New Zealand poet Sam Hunt wrote "As a man grows older, his dog grows sadder."
There is still considerable scope for New Zealanders to better understand how to care for animals.
In part, this comes down to education - teaching people, particularly young people, how to be compassionate towards animals.
It is vital that our young people learn to be kind towards animals. By giving them the knowledge and understanding to care for animals, we are effectively teaching them how to care for all living things. This, in turn, helps develop them into caring adults.
Of course, caring adults are at the heart of a compassionate society.
The SPCA plays a critical role in educating New Zealanders on the needs of animals.
Through direct intervention and education, as well as national awareness-raising, the SPCA pr omotes greater understanding of the needs of animals and the very positive role they can play in our lives.
The SPCA Education Centre will help SPCA further this education and awareness-raising programme.
It is a wonderful facility. I am certain it will help make a long-term difference to the protection of animals, by giving people the tools they need to care for animals.
I congratulate all those who have helped give this initiative life. I encourage all those who will use this facility in the future to use it to further the care and protection of our animals.
I have great pleasure in declaring the SPCA Education Centre officially open.
I began speaking in all the New Zealand realm languages. May I close by speaking in Maori issuing greetings and wishing you good health and fortitude in your endeavours.
No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa