Speech
Te Mahurehure Cultural Marae Conference Centre
May 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)
May I specifically greet you: Your Honour Judge Mick Brown, Patron of the Te Mahurehure Cultural Marae Society, and Christine Panapa, Society Chairperson; Dr Hon Pita Sharples, Minister of Māori Affairs; Hon Georgina te Heuheu, Minister of Courts and Associate Minister of Māori Affairs; Hon Parekura Horomia, Member of Parliament; Tumu te Heuheu, Te Ariki o Ngāti Tuwharetoa; Kaumatua and Kuia; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.
Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to attend the opening of the conference centre here at Te Mahurehure Cultural Marae.
I have been asked to officially open the new conference centre by unveiling a large carving by Te Puia master carver James Rickards, and just before I would like to speak briefly of the significance of this morning's event.
I would first like to say how good it feels to be back here. Through my long friendship with my legal and judicial colleague Mick Brown, I have visited this marae on a number of occasions. Those visits have included attending an outstanding New Zealand experience for overseas visitors as well as New Zealanders for the Law Society Conference in 1978 which was staged here. There have also been family occasions for the Brown family at which Susan and I and our children have been present.
To see this completed conference centre here at this marae is to see a vision fulfilled. I refer of course to the vision to build a marae for the Te Manuhurehure whanau of the Hokianga here in Auckland.
It all started, 40 years ago, when this site was bought. Back then, it was a barren site ‘round the back of Pt Chev' with only a large tin shed on it and even that did'nt have a proper floor in it.
But today 40 years on, I think it is fair to say that what we see in front of us, delivers on the vision and much more.
It is not only a home for Te Manuhurehure, but it is also a much needed venue that will serve the general community for many years to come.
In a wider sense, the 40 years of work that have transformed this site reflects well another transformation that has gone on within Māoridom.
The 60s was the time of what can be described as the second great migration of Maori people. The first was from Polynesia to Aotearoa, and the second was from rural New Zealand to the suburbs of cities such as Auckland and Wellington - Te Atatu, Mangere, Glen Innes, Porirua and Naenae being five examples.
It was a time of great change and many challenges that have tested not only Māori New Zealanders but all New Zealanders.
But the essential spirit of Māoridom endured and it has endured in urban marae such as this. It is more than just a meeting place, it is a storehouse of cultural wisdom and knowledge as well.
I am advised of the many, many people who have been involved in bringing this vision to fruition and I add congratulations to you on your commitment and your hard work.
There is an apposite Māori saying that describes well the challenge I am sure has been faced. In Māori it goes:
"E kore e ngaro he takere waka nui". This translates into English as something like, ‘The keel of a good canoe cannot be lost.'
I think it is fair to say that you started from the keel here and that things have been down towards the keel from time to time but your foresight and perseverance with fundraising and hard work combined to both scale the mountain and leave a legacy. This is something of which you can be proud and others proud with you and for you.
And on that note, I will close in our country's first language offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your forthcoming endeavours.
No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.