E ngā rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui mai nei i tēnei wā, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai rā ki Te Whare o te Kawana Tinara o Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
I would like to begin by specifically acknowledging: The Honourable Nicola Willis, Minister of the Crown; The Honourable Andrew Little, Mayor of Wellington City; Anita Baker, Mayor of Porirua; Peri Zee, Mayor of Upper Hutt; Steve Cretney, Mayor of Carterton; Martin Halliday, Deputy Mayor of Kapiti Coast.
And to all who have gathered here this evening, my very warmest welcome to you all. Tēnā koutou katoa.
It is a great pleasure to host you at Government House Wellington this evening. You represent a vast cross-section of agencies, organisations and community members who have responded with immense professionalism and care to the recent severe weather events which have impacted our region. The range of services required and provided during events such as these are numerous – from those first on the scene in Fire and Emergency, Police, Ambulance and Civil Defence Response Teams, to crucial coordination and information channels maintained by Emergency Operations Centres and Council staff. I am also pleased to see representatives from Wellington City Mission and from surrounding Iwi – you play a vital role in caring for those affected by these events.
There are many others within our community who have demonstrated immense bravery and compassion – those who have donated clothes and food, and those who chose to put the safety of others above their own during the recent flooding. Your selflessness has been appreciated by all of us. It is heartening to see true community spirit arise in these difficult moments. We are a region of people that care deeply for our neighbours, and that is never more evident than when we are united in challenging times like these.
I am sure I speak for all within the greater Wellington Region when I express my deep appreciation for your tireless work over these challenging few months. You have been there to answer the call, at all hours of the day and night. Your continued service – even as many of you and your own whānau have been adversely impacted by these weather events – is admirable.
I am also aware that your jobs do not end when the rain stops falling, and you have now begun the long task of providing ongoing aid for those impacted. I appreciate you all taking the time to be here this evening as you continue to support our city and region.
I am grateful for the opportunity to meet many of you and hear more about the commendable work you have done and continue to do in our communities. As Governor-General, on behalf of all New Zealanders, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for your contribution during this incredibly demanding time.
Ngā mihi nui. Kia maia, kia manawanui, kia kaha e koutou.