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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.