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We hear a lot at the moment that we live in turbulent times, but we shouldn’t immediately jump to the conclusion that the world is any more turbulent at the moment than it has been in the past.

The endless repetition and rapid transmission of events in the world (does not necessarily mean) much greater instability or much greater threat than there has been.

And when you’re at the end of the world as New Zealand is, we of course are the place where all the waves eventually wash up.

Ladies and Gentlemen.

It’s a pleasure to be here today.

Can I start by acknowledging my Deputy Paula Bennett and paying tribute to the man who is responsible for pulling this year’s Budget together - Finance Minister Steven Joyce.

And can I say it’s a pleasure to lead a country that’s becoming more confident and sure of itself, and where we have so many positive choices.

New Zealand has an enviable international reputation.

Good morning.

Can I start by thanking the International Business Forum and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce for hosting this event.

And can I acknowledge your guests and my ministerial colleagues.

In particular I want to acknowledge Trade Minister Todd McClay, who along with Foreign Minister Murray McCully is doing an excellent job of promoting our interests overseas.

I think Todd and Murray would admit that some parts of that job are not too difficult.

After all, we have an enviable reputation around the world.

Honourable Members.

The National-led Government’s busy and ambitious policy agenda and legislative programme in 2017 will continue to back New Zealanders to succeed.

This is a Government focused on delivering more opportunities for people to get ahead.

It is a Government that backs New Zealanders who take risks to create new jobs and new businesses.

It backs New Zealanders who work hard so they can raise their families.

And it backs New Zealanders who need the Government’s support to improve their lives.

Kia ora koutou katoa

What a wonderful, diverse group of people we have here, reflecting the fact that Tamaki Makaurau is one of the most diverse cities in the world.

It’s great to be here with Ngati Whatua on Waitangi Day celebrating the achievement of so many iwi, and so many communities who have come to see that a treaty settlement, that an iwi that is part of their community, is a recipe for success for the future.

Honour and glory to God
Peace to the land
Goodwill to all people
Greetings to us all acknowledging Waitangi day
Here with our hosts Ngati Whatua of Orakei
At Bastion Point,
In Tamaki (Auckland)
I sincerely thank you Ngati Whatua for your warm and generous hospitality
And Invite us all to enjoy Waitangi Day.

Can I acknowledge Ngati Whatua, and thank them for their invitation to come here today.

Good afternoon,

My thanks to the Rotary Club of Auckland, and in particular President Andrew Aitken and the Rotary team for hosting this event.

I also want to acknowledge Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett and Finance Minister Steven Joyce, who are here today. Both of them are doing great work on behalf of New Zealanders.

Special guests, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming today.

The start of the year is the time to stand back and look at how we’re doing as a country.