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Fifteen years ago, following the formation of the first National-led coalition under MMP, three members of Parliament were invited by Ngati Hine to Otiria Marae. Each member was presented with a gift. Two of the gifts were weapons of war, one was a waka huia. The three members were Rt Hon Winston Peters, Hon Tau Henare and myself. There is no prize for guessing who received the waka huia.

The kaumatua told me to fill this treasure box with those things I most valued from my Parliamentary life. So, what are they?

Good morning – it’s a pleasure to be here for the twentieth annual Education New Zealand conference. It happens against the backdrop of a very uncertain world -

Thank you for the invitation to speak at your conference today

With the economy on the road to recovery, and the significant task ahead of us to rebuild Christchurch, it is an opportune time to meet and discuss how industry training can best help deliver the skills that we need as the economy moves forward.

The economy must become more competitive if we are to succeed.

Tertiary Education and Skills

It’s great to be here with you this afternoon.

As well as being Minister for Tertiary Education, I’m also Minister of Transport so it’s like the stars have aligned for me today.

We’re here to discuss two things that I am particularly passionate about – adult literacy and improving Auckland’s transport network, specifically through the construction of the Victoria Park Tunnel.

On the face of it they might seem unrelated.

They’re not. 

Thank you for having me along today to open this year's conference. This year's theme is ‘the learning journey'.

Good evening everyone - thank you for the invitation to be here.

What an exciting occasion to be a part of - celebrating this future-focused partnership in tertiary education.

Good afternoon - it's a real pleasure to be here. 

I'd like to thank Pat and Victoria University for hosting us here this morning. 

Kia ora and thank you for welcoming me here today. 

I acknowledge the passing of Lady Raiha Mahuta. My condolences to Tainui and my acknowledgments also to King Tuheitia.

Good morning - it's a real pleasure to be here.

Primary teaching is the foundation of compulsory learning. In fact, until 1945, attendance at school beyond age 12 was not even required.

Sina Aiolupotea-Aiono, chair of the ed&co Trust; Julie Donvin-Irons, CEO of ed&co; George Frazis, CEO of Westpac; Sir Ron Carter from the Committee for Auckland; Dick Hubbard; board members

Canada-Alberta International Vocational Education and Training Conference, Calgary, 31 August 2009

Opening remarks

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā hau e whā. Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. My warm greeting to you all.

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e nga hāu e wha. Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

Thank you for your kind introduction, Jeremy (Baker, Executive Director of the Industry Training Federation).

I’d like to join Jeremy in welcoming to our keynote speakers: