Stonefields School

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 morning (Sign)

I then specifically greet you: Colin Davis, Chairman of the Board and your fellow trustees; Sarah Martin, Principal of Stonefields School and your staff; Allan Peachey, Member of Parliament for Tamaki; Auckland Councillor Cameron Brewer; Kaumatua and Kuia, notably Rangatira Ki Ngati Whatua, Grant Hawke; Ministry of Education personnel; Construction Workers; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen; Boys and Girls. 

Thank you for inviting me to visit and officially to open this brand new Stonefields School.  Before carrying out that important duty, I would like to speak a little about your school, a little of my role as Governor-General, and a little of the importance of learning.

May I say that this school is particularly well-named because Aucklanders relate to this area as having been for many years a huge stone quarry.  This whole area has undergone a remarkable transition.

I am sure that you know New Zealand is a monarchy, which means that our Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II.  Because she is in London, she needs someone based in New Zealand to represent her.  That person is the Governor-General and, right now, I hold that important role.

I know you will all be eager to know whether I have ever met the Queen and the answer is yes. My wife, Susan, and I, have enjoyed meetings with the Queen on several occasions. Our most recent royal encounter was hosting Prince William when he was in New Zealand a few weeks ago, at Government House in Wellington.

New Zealand is a democracy.  That means that the people of New Zealand elect their Members of Parliament.  An important role of the Governor-General is to appoint the Prime Minister after an election.

When the Government in Parliament passes laws, the Governor-General has the task of signing them in the name of the Queen so they can become part of New Zealand’s laws. 

The Governor-General also signs other important documents appointing people to be Judges and Heads of Government Departments.  All of these legal things are called the Governor-General’s constitutional role. 

The second part of the role is ceremonial. This means that the Governor-General represents the country at important public ceremonies such as Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day events. 

The third part of the role is to do with community leadership.  This means visiting people and places throughout New Zealand and seeing things that people have done well.  This community role is the part of my job that keeps both my wife Susan and I busy. It is also that part of the job which keeps us in touch with so many New Zealanders like you.

It has what has brought me to your school here in Auckland. It is not every day that there is a special event of the opening of brand new school.  While I have opened many new facilities and buildings at existing schools, in my four and a half years as Governor-General, this is only the second occasion I have had the privilege of such a task!

Boys and Girls, as foundation students at Stonefields School, you are all part of an important story and that is something to be very proud of.
This school marks the beginning of your education journey and will prepare you well for anything in life.

Your teachers will help you learn, but it is up to each of you to use the wonderful resources you have here, in this beautiful new school, to be the best you can be in all that you do.

In particular, if I could stress one thing to you, it would be to read, read and read.   Never stop reading.  If sport keeps the body fit, it is reading that keeps your brain fit and healthy.

I am sure most of you will have heard of Dr Seuss, who wrote the books, Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat in the Hat.  He once wrote: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

The establishment and realisation of Stonefields School offers the staff and students of Mt Wellington and the community so much.  It is a truly amazing statement. It is up to you all to put it to good use and based on the strong community support which your school enjoys, I feel certain that you will. 

May I offer congratulations to the foundation Board, staff and parents of Stonefields School who have the important responsibility of shaping its initial direction and values for the future. Your commitment and enthusiasm for education and preparing our young ones for the rest of their lives as good citizens and successful people is greatly appreciated.

Congratulations are also due to the construction workers who have toiled so hard to build this school and to make it so wonderful for everyone. It is clear, from watching the videos on your website, which provide an overview of the school’s construction, that all of those involved in the project have been enthusiastic about it, which is evident in the quality of the buildings that surround us.

Therefore Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it is with a sense of anticipation that I will close in New Zealand's first language Māori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours.   No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.
As Governor-General, it gives me great pleasure to declare Stonefields School open.