Tauranga RDA Equestrian Therapy Centre—Te Maru o Ngāti Pukenga

Rau rangatira 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: Helen Stone, President of the Tauranga Riding for the Disabled Board— tēnā koe; Frank Vosper, Tauranga RDA Arena Charitable Trust chairman—tēnā koe; Your Worships Stuart Crosby and Ross Paterson, the Mayors of Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty respectively—tēnā korua; Simon Bridges, MP for Tauranga— tēnā koe.

Thank you for inviting Janine and me to the opening of the Tauranga RDA Equestrian Therapy Centre—Te Maru o Ngāti Pukenga. 

I have been asked to open this wonderful facility by cutting a ribbon over the plaque.  Before I do that, I want to speak of the significance of this facility and riding for the disabled.  They speak of the value of volunteering and the resilience of communities that support some of the most vulnerable members - those living with disabilities. 

Let me say at the outset, I’ve no experience riding horses.  The last time I was on a horse I fell off very unceremoniously!  My wife Janine, however, is an equestrian enthusiast and enjoyed horse riding, or more correctly pony-riding, as a young girl.

What I’ve learned from Janine is that horse-riding has a value that goes far beyond being a fun thing to do — not that that isn’t important too!

Riding a horse helps people, abled bodied or otherwise.  It helps to develop and improve balance, posture and concentration.  It instils self-disciplined, an awareness of surroundings and promotes communication.  Most importantly, it encourages independence and individual decision-making, which in turn builds self-esteem.

For people living with physical or intellectual disabilities, riding is all these things and more.  It is an exciting, challenging and motivating activity.  The constant adjustments needed to stay on your mount helps to build core strength.  Those with disabilities that affect their mobility, get to move with a freedom they may not have experienced before.  

Therapeutic riding also brings untold benefits to those in need of rehabilitation.  The relationship between rider and horse is one of mutual trust, care and confidence.  Some of the benefits, from the mysterious connection between human and horse, will always prove difficult to pin down.  As Winston Churchill once said: “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” 

Riding for the Disabled has been a part of the fabric of New Zealand for 50 years.  Initially it was done through connections with pony clubs, and since 1972 it has been through the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association.   The Tauranga RDA has grown from its small beginnings in 1975 to provide in recent years equestrian therapy to more than 300 disabled or at risk people every year.  All of that has been possible because of the support of a veritable army of volunteers.

In conclusion, I want to congratulate everyone who has brought this fantastic facility to fruition.  It is a wonderful community asset that will bring great benefits to many people.  I also want to acknowledge the many volunteers who work here and who allow those living with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasure of riding a horse.

The name of this magnificent facility, Te Maru o Ngati Pukenga, translates as the Shelter of Ngati Pukenga. Like the pa that once stood here at Otukopiri, this arena will be a place of shelter and protection for people, those most vulnerable in our society.  It will be a place where they can be in calm and beautiful surroundings and find healing and peace.  Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.