Search

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.