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Welcome to an event where I promise I will only mention the Rugby World Cup a few times.

We are here today to celebrate another very important national game – and that is Lotto.

Many of you might remember watching that first Lotto draw on 1 August 1987. I certainly do. I brought a ticket and I was pretty excited when I thought I’d won the jackpot.

Instead it turned out I’d won division 5 and got $26, which wasn’t a bad sum of money back in those days.

Good morning. It's great to be here with so many ICT professionals from both the public and private sector.

I have apologies from the Minister of Finance Bill English, who is very interested in this subject and wanted to be here, but unfortunately has commitments in Auckland this morning.

It’s not often that we have the opportunity to get so many Chief Executives, Chief Information Officers, and ICT industry thought leaders in one room together.

Ladies and Gentlemen - welcome to Parliament today.

It's my pleasure to be your host today as the Minister Responsible for the National Library.

It was just two years ago that many of us were here to announce the outgoing Poet Laureate, Cilla McQueen, whose poetry we've just shared.

That was my first official event as the Minister Responsible, so it's an event I remember well.

Thank you for inviting me to speak at your Conference.  It’s a pleasure to be here in Dunedin.

Before I start, can I congratulate Dave Adamson, the Southland District Council Chief Executive, who has recently received a Queen's Service Medal for services to the New Zealand Fire Service.

Dave has been the local government representative on the National Rural Fire Advisory Committee for 11 years and led the establishment of the Southern Rural Fire Authority.

Good morning everyone. I'm delighted to have this opportunity to speak to you today. Thanks Jolanda for your warm welcome.

It’s great to see so many delegates and exhibitors taking part in this fourth ALGIM Records Management Symposium.

As Minister Responsible for Archives New Zealand, I’m well aware of how important it is we preserve our records and archives; at both central and local government level.

Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to say a few words today.

This morning you’ve already heard from the Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson, and I’m sure you would have welcomed her decision on landings at Milford Sound aerodrome.

As we know, the weather already provides a natural limit on the number of flights.

I think it is a sensible, balanced and common sense decision. It shows faith in the aviation industry to come up with solutions.

Good evening and welcome. Can I acknowledge all the dignitaries, local MPs and Mayors, and Fire Service senior staff with us tonight.

It was just over six months ago that many of us gathered in Ferrymead for a similar function, presenting certificates for your efforts after the 4th September last year.

None of us could have imagined that a far greater challenge was ahead.

The events of 22 February were something that you train and prepare for, but at the same time hope you never have to deal with – least of all in your home town.

Good afternoon and welcome to the Beehive.

It’s a real pleasure to host this event here in Parliament today, where we celebrate the achievements of two firefighters who have been recognised with New Zealand Bravery Awards – Mervyn Neil and Peter Hanne.

These awards are announced in April of every year and recognise people who place their own safety or life at risk to help others.

Good evening and thank you for asking me to say a few words tonight.

It’s great to be here to celebrate an important milestone for New Zealand aviation training.

Importance of the aviation industry

I’m sure most people in the room tonight know just how important the aviation industry is to New Zealand.

Good evening and welcome to Parliament tonight.

Tonight I’d like to say a quick few words about the importance of airports to New Zealand, and update you on a few important issues.

Volcanic ash

Obviously it’s been a disruptive week for air travel in New Zealand with the volcanic ash from Chile affecting flights.

The Civil Aviation Authority is keeping close eye on conditions and doing a good job of monitoring the situation.

Tēnā koutou katoa, good evening.

Citizenship ceremonies are held regularly around New Zealand, but I think everyone realises that tonight’s event here in Christchurch is something special.

After what has been a hugely difficult and traumatic few months for Christchurch, I hope that tonight will show the commitment and spirit of this great city, and of our newest New Zealanders.

Good evening and thank you for inviting me to launch the AIRCARE Accreditation programme. I’m delighted to be launching such a positive and significant programme.

The AIRCARE risk management programme and compliance regime are an excellent example of the aviation industry collaborating with its stakeholders, including the Department of Conservation, to integrate quality safety and environmental practices.

Good evening everyone.  It’s good to see so many friends and supporters of Archives New Zealand here tonight.

This evening we are in for a real treat.  We are here to see a new video about Archives New Zealand, six one-minute features showing some of Archives’ hidden treasures, and a newly restored version of the first ever film made by the National Film Unit – Country Lads, from 1941.

These videos really showcase the important role of Archives New Zealand, the services available and the treasures they hold.

Good morning and thank you for inviting me to address your annual conference again this year

Today I’d like to thank you for the work you have been doing over the last year, and recognise the success you’ve achieved.

First though I want to personally acknowledge those who have been affected by the devastating Christchurch earthquake.

Thank you for inviting me to open the 83^rd Annual Conference of the Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices Association.

Can I acknowledge:

It’s great to be here today as both the Minister Responsible for Archives New Zealand, and as the MP for Otaki. Of course a big chunk of my electorate is part of the Horowhenua and Horizons Regional Council.

As the Minister, I’m well aware of how important it is we preserve our public records.

In a democracy, public records help protect the rights and entitlements of citizens. They support accountability, transparency, and evidence-based decision making.

We’re here this evening to acknowledge the work of Firefighters in Canterbury during what so easily could have been a human tragedy.

It’s appropriate that I say a few words on what was a human tragedy, the Pike River Mine disaster.

Tragedies are part of the work a firefighter but nothing can prepare us for an event of this scale, particularly when our own are affected.

Thank you for the invitation to speak this morning.

To acknowledge:

I am very pleased to be here to officially launch two new recordkeeping standards, the Disposal Standard and the Digital Recordkeeping Standard.

Importance of Recordkeeping Standards

One of the main goals of the Public Records Act 2005 is to raise the standard of recordkeeping across all sectors of government.

There are important reasons for doing this.

Good creation, maintenance and disposal of records is fundamental to good governance. 

Good morning and thank you for asking me to address this conference today.

The Association of South Pacific Airlines is over 30 years old, which is a great achievement.

Good morning and thank you for the invitation to speak today.

Welcome everyone to Parliament's Grand Hall.

Thank you for inviting me here tonight to celebrate a remarkable milestone - the 100^th anniversary for your organisation.

I'd like to welcome you to Parliament tonight and say a few quick words on how important your industry is to New Zealand.

Good morning, and thanks for inviting me to kick off this Local Government Transport Forum.