Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce Business Networking Event

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 evening (Sign)

I then specifically greet you: Derek Roberts and Wendy Morrison, co-chairs of the Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce and your fellow board members; Stephanie Gundersen-Reid, Executive Director of the  Chamber; Your Worships Adrienne Staples and Ron Mark, the Mayors of South Wairarapa and Carterton respectively; John Hayes, member of Parliament for Wairarapa;  Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

It is with great pleasure that my wife Susan and I are able to attend this Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce Business Networking Reception here in Greytown.

Whenever we visit a particular region, we assiduously work to make connections with a diverse range of interests and organisations.  They vary from schools and community groups, to Māori, local councils and the conservation estate. 

Another key interest in any region are its business, tourism and commercial interests.  We hosted a Business after Five gathering at Government House for the Wellington Chamber of Commerce in 2007 and have met a number of businesses and commercial interests since we took on the Governor-General role almost five years ago. 

The purpose of such a function such as this is what today is called networking and to that end, I will keep my remarks brief. 

But I would like to take a brief opportunity to emphasise the important role of the Chamber and the value of businesses working together for the benefit of the region, its people and more widely for New Zealand. 

There have been Chambers of Commerce ever since the first was established in Marseilles, France in 1599 and in the United States since before the 1776 Revolution. The Wairarapa Chamber is, by way of comparison, a child having been formed just six years ago in 2005.

Even so, despite its relative youth, the Wairarapa Chamber is dedicated to encouraging and supporting integrated business growth that creates wealth and employment in the region.   There is much that businesses can achieve by working in partnership, such as collaborative tenders for major projects that one company alone could never bid for. 

It also means being aware of the local suppliers that can provide you with goods you need at a competitive price.  I am sure the Chamber knows of instances of local businesses buying goods or services from elsewhere when there was someone in a neighbouring town who was making the same product or providing the same service.   I therefore commend the Chamber for its efforts to assist local businesses to work together for the betterment of the community and urge you to take advantage of the services it offers.

As we all know, for the last two years, the New Zealand community and its businesses have suffered from the ramifications of the global financial crisis.  Added to that, particularly in the last year, have been a number of disasters and tragedies that cast a pall over the country. 

Even so, as Susan and I have travelled throughout New Zealand, from its cities, to its provincial centres and rural settlements, we have witnessed the strength and resilience of our nation’s communities. 

The Canterbury earthquake in September, for example, caused massive damage that will take a long time to repair.  As we have seen in two visits to that region, while the fabric of homes, buildings, and roads was damaged, the fabric of the community remained strong.  Rescue, emergency and civil defence services responded promptly, and the government and local councils began quickly the difficult and complex task of planning for rebuilding and restoration.

Part of that resilience is New Zealand’s businesses, many of whom, like those in the Wairarapa are founded on primary industry.  Our itinerary through the Wairarapa sees us visiting a number of businesses connected with the land, from growing and processing olives and grapes through to meat processing.  Several of them, I am advised, have received awards for their innovative and high quality products.

While we are in the first day of our four day visit to the Wairarapa, we have already sensed that despite the difficulties our communities face, that underlying strength is coming to the fore.   We look forward to meeting the people of your region and learning more of your plans for the future.

And on that note I will close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours.  No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.