Presentation of PM's Cup - golf tournament

Prime Minister’s Cup Golf Dinner
Reduced speech delivered on behalf of Jim Anderton as he was unable to attend

6.30PM Monday, 17 October 2005
Christchurch Casino
Christchurch

SPEECH NOTES

I was going to be delighted to be with you tonight on behalf of the Prime Minister.

With government formation being completed as you meet, I am now unable to attend.

It will come as no surprise to you that there is no shortage of volunteers around the cabinet table when there are golfing events to go to.

It’s a passion of mine.

In fact, golf has made me something of an environmentalist as a politician…

When I’m playing golf, I spend so much time worrying about the sand, the water, the trees…

They say there is really only one major difference between golf and government:

In golf you can't improve your lie.

On behalf of the Prime Minister I would like to acknowledge the important work Rotary does on behalf of its charities.

I understand you will hear more about the charity Cure Kids, for this event later in the evening.

Suffice to say, however, that this is a worthy cause and one I commend you for your generosity in supporting.

We need selfless work on the part of volunteers to oil the wheels of a compassionate society, and Rotary is a dependable supporter year in and year out.

This is a valuable fund-raising event.

Since the inception of the Prime Ministers’ Cup, over $270,000 has been raised for nominated charities.

These are wonderful efforts and the naming of this Cup is an indication that the community is behind it and fully supportive of your efforts and the way you are going about your fund-raising.

Can I also acknowledge the support of the community by the sponsors of this event, and thank them for contributing.

No one forces businesses to contribute in this way, so I congratulate you for bringing a dimension of social responsibility and support for your community to your business.

Congratulations to prize-winners tonight.

Congratulations on this event.

And thank you again to sponsors, to Rotary and to those who make generous donations and bids tonight to help raise funds for our most important community needs.

Ends