Speech
Unveiling of garden at entrance to Waitakere Hospital
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 more specifically, I greet you Parliamentarians - Waitakere MP Lynne Pillay, Hon Tau Henare and Local City Councillors; Merv Huxford, Rotary District Governor Area 9910; Kay McKelvie, Chairperson of Waitemata District Health Board; Dorothy Wilson, Chair of West Auckland Health Services and John Waworis, President of Rotary Club Henderson; Ladies and Gentlemen.
Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I here today and for me to officially unveil this wonderful new garden at WaitakereHospital.
Since assuming the role of Governor-General Susan and I have had the honour of attending a number of functions with which community organisations and service clubs like Rotary are concerned because they remain an important aspect of the adjectival part of everyday New Zealand life.
As someone with an association with Rotary of my own is wonderful to see the contribution that the organisation makes to so many communities throughout New Zealand. I add congratulations to you all for maintaining such a strong commitment to many worthwhile causes.
This beautiful garden at WaitakereHospital is no exception.
The hard work and dedication of the Rotary Club of Henderson, staff of the WaitakereHospital and Waitemata District Health Board and donations from within the community, have helped bring this garden to life.
The new WaitakereHospital garden, adorned with three striking sculptures, provides a tranquil and welcoming entrance to this important building. I am advised it has already become a very popular place for visitors, staff and patients to sit and relax.
Gardens are, of course, famous for their relaxing qualities.
A former Prime Minister of Britain, Benjamin Disraeli once said, and I quote
How fair is a garden amid the toils and passions of existence
In New Zealand we are lucky to have some of the world's most stunning gardens and national parks. Visitors come to this country from all over to enjoy the greenery and open spaces.
Indeed, New Zealanders gardening skills and gardens have been making headlines at the Chelsea Garden Show in London for several years now.
Her Majesty the Queen was herself reported to have been impressed with New Zealand's garden at the last prestigious show in London.
As we become an increasingly urban society, it is important to remain committed to nurturing the many parks and gardens which make our country so beautiful.
I t is therefore pleasing to see projects like this completed. They help ensure New Zealand remains among the world's most beautiful, fertile and green countries.
I would like to extend my congratulations to all involved in this project. This garden is the result of a considerable team effort, and is an asset to the West Auckland community.
I now take great pleasure in announcing this garden 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