Speeches

Today marks a decade since the February 22nd earthquake and the tragic loss of 185 lives. It is a chance for us all to remember those people, and stand with the families, loved ones and friends who grieve them.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. This is a special time in our country.

Cabinet has met this evening to make decisions on our response to the three cases reported earlier within a household in Auckland.

I have really valued the engagement and connections with local government, especially on infrastructure because we know that with the right investments we really will make a difference for New Zealanders.

Thank you very much for providing me the opportunity to speak at the Business New Zealand Energy Council breakfast meeting again.

Thank you for the relationship with Government, the willingness to share your perspectives, and the hugely valuable contribution the business community makes to New Zealand’s economic well-being.

Kia ora. First, can I start by thanking the BNZ for hosting us this morning.

I’m pleased to welcome you today to Waitangi, the recognised birthplace of Aotearoa New Zealand, where in just a few days we will be acknowledging 180 years of treaty partnership between the indigenous Maori inhabitants and the British settlers who arrived here.

I begin by acknowledging all the hard work that has gone into Ruapekapeka 175 by the Trust and by Ngāti Manu, Te Ka potai, Ngāti Hau and Ngāti Hine.

Kia orana tatou katoatoa; Malo e lelei, Fakalofa lahi atu, Talofa, Malo ni, Talofa ni, Mauri, Ni sa bula vinaka, Noia, Warm Pacific greetings to you all, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa.