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E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

Thank you Amy and David for the warm introduction and thank you to Volunteer Wellington for inviting me to speak about tonight’s awards.

I am delighted to be a part of this wonderful new event.

As most of you will know, this week is National Volunteer Week.

Around the country, we have a full calendar of events, activities and celebrations designed to promote and recognise the dedication and achievements of volunteers. 

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

I would like to start by acknowledging Tasman District Council Mayor Richard Kempthorne, and my colleague local MP Dr Nick Smith and Labour’s Damien O'Connor.

Thank you all for being here today, and thank you for inviting me to speak to you on a subject I love talking about – positive ageing and ageing positively.

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

Thank you for inviting me to speak about the value of the voluntary sector to New Zealand, and to assist in presenting this evening’s awards.

I am delighted to be a part of this wonderful and prestigious event.

The Trustpower Community Awards is now one of the country's largest community-based awards programmes.

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

Your Excellency, British High Commissioner Vicki Treadell, Sir Jame and Lady Helen McNeish, Sir Roderick and Lady Anna Weir, members of the Trust Board, including chair Rachael Selby, Fellows and guests.

To begin, I would like to thank you your Excellency for hosting us in this beautiful setting.

I became Minister for the Community and Voluntary sector in 2011 and thus began my involvement with and understanding of the Winston Churchill Memorial trust.

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

Good morning everyone. It is a real pleasure to be here this morning in my home town!

Thank you to Volunteering Mid & South Canterbury for inviting me to join in recognising the wonderful job done by the volunteers in this region.

I would also like to acknowledge and congratulate the newly elected Mayor of Timaru, Damon Odey. It is great to have you here to help recognise the valuable contribution made by these volunteers.

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

Good afternoon everyone. I am delighted to join you at this first full year annual meeting of Charities Services.

Brendon – thank you for the invitation. Members of the Independent Charities Registration Board – Roger, Caren and Kirikaiahi it’s good to see you all again.

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

It is my great pleasure to join you this morning.

Thank you Ken and members of the National COGS Committee for inviting me to share in launching the COGS Profile.

Since it began in 1986, the Community Organisation Grants Scheme, affectionately known to us all as COGS, has been a vital source of government funding for non-profit community organisations.

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

Your Excellency, the Governor-General of New Zealand, Lt Gen The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, Deputy British High Commissioner Patrick Reilly, Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Board chair Rachael Selby, members of the Trust Board, Department of Internal Affairs Chief Executive Colin MacDonald, Fellows and welcomed guests.

A special thank you to Sir Jerry Mateparae for hosting us in this lovely setting, and for His Excellency’s service as patron of the Trust.

Delivered on behalf by Tim Macindoe, MP for Hamilton West.

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

Thank you for inviting me to be part of this wonderful event. I am delighted to be here to speak briefly about the value of the volunteer community to New Zealand and to assist in presenting this evening’s awards.

Introduction

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

It is my pleasure to join you this afternoon.

I extend my very warmest greetings to representatives of registered charities, to members of the wider charitable sector, to officials – and to the wonderful speakers who are sharing their stories and knowledge with you as part of today’s forum for charities.

I hope you find this a valuable opportunity to listen and learn, and perhaps glean some new ideas, and also to share your own experiences and ask questions.

AXA Centre, Wellington

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

Good evening everyone. Thank you for inviting me to join you in your end of year celebrations. It is a pleasure to be here today and to have the opportunity to address you as the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector.

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

It is my great pleasure to join you here this morning. Thank you to Cheryll and Volunteering Auckland for hosting this forum and for inviting me to talk to you.

Some of you may know that I have personal experience in the community and voluntary sector, having worked as a coordinator for the Timaru Safer Community Council and been a volunteer for Victim Support. So I know first-hand how vital this sector is and the benefits it produces for New Zealanders.

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.  It is my great pleasure to join you this afternoon.  Thank you the Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury for hosting this year’s conference.  I extend a warm welcome to my home town of Timaru and our beautiful region, to distinguished guests, visiting trustees, officials and the talented array of speakers.

The theme for today’s event ‘Celebrating our contribution’ is apt.  It speaks about your members’ willingness to share and show generosity to others.

Raising $2 million in donations for charities and communities is no small task. In fact, it’s a great achievement. 

I know that many of your members here in Christchurch, relatives and friends, will have been deeply affected by the earthquake.  I recognise that nationally, ANZ has done a great deal to help and support those who are in need.