Speech
United Way Reception
E kui mā, e koro ma, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa.
I specifically acknowledge: John Gallaher and Don Oliver, Board Chair and Chief Executive respectively of United Way New Zealand – tena korua.
It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you all to Government House to celebrate the achievements of United Way New Zealand, and its volunteers and supporters.
As I visit different regions in New Zealand I am impressed by the dedication and generosity of people who donate their time and effort to help others, and who make a real difference in their communities.
They don’t seek reward or recognition for what they do. The results of their work are reward enough. And it’s New Zealanders of all ages who are very keen to serve, to step up and make themselves available for good causes.
For many people though, it can be difficult to know where to start, especially when so many of us live in cities, we move frequently, and perhaps don’t know our neighbours or much about their circumstances.
What we do know is that there are worrying statistics about literacy, about housing and about all manner of social struggles in our communities. I admire United Way for addressing these issues in an effective and contemporary way; by bringing people who want to donate their time, expertise or support together with a whole range of charities.
After 40 years of United Way’s operations, there will be thousands of New Zealanders who have been touched by your work.
The charities in areas that you prioritise: including education, social assistance, financial literacy, emergency housing, and the prevention of violence and abuse – help to empower people, they give people choices and greater control over their lives.
Choice and opportunity also comes from helping others to help the needy, as United Way has done on behalf of the Tindall Foundation. The $8 million you have dispersed to 1900 charities on behalf of the Tindall Foundation represents a lot of choice and opportunities.
It must be very satisfying to know that you have contributed to these outcomes.
Desmond Tutu has talked about the power of individual actions to contribute to the collective good. He said, and I quote:
‘Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.’
I was interested to learn about the little bits of good United Way and its supporters and volunteers have been doing in partnership with Otago Polytechnic on the Charity House project. It is good to see projects that benefit educational and social outcomes: on the one hand, new skills and employment prospects for the trainee carpenters – and on the other, funding for Otago charities, raised from the house sales.
I am also pleased to hear about your current negotiations with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to provide personal books to pre-school children in low-decile areas.
Giving books to children is a marvellous initiative. Having a book of your own spurs us to read. Being able to read ensures a better experience at school, it delivers better educational outcomes, which in turn, broadens employment options. And that outcome can only mean safer, stronger and healthier communities.
Each year, my work has a theme. This year, it has been families and peace. It has given me an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the work of individuals and organisations that strengthen our families, that support the development of our children – our tamariki - and that give people the tools to improve their lives.
Tonight we acknowledge and celebrate the power of generosity to make positive differences in the lives of others, and their families. I am delighted to join you in celebrating good work done and services given by volunteers and donors to United Way, and to wish you all success with your future projects.
Kia ora huihui tātou katoa. Again, greetings and please enjoy the hospitality of Government House.