Dinner for Defence Chiefs 2024

E nga rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei I tenei po, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Nau mai, piki mai, tauti mai.

Thank you for accepting the invitation to join Richard and myself here for dinner at Government House. I especially wanted the chance to meet the most senior leaders of the NZDF, with a new CDF and new Heads of Armed Services. You take up these roles at a critical time in the country and world history.

This is an opportunity to thank you and your loved ones, for the support you give me in undertaking my role as Governor General and Commander-in-Chief.

I have had the opportunity over the past three years to meet the men and women serving our nation and I couldn't be prouder of the calibre of people that we have defending our interests - whether it be in peace-keeping or Treaty monitoring, surveillance and intelligence, or information gathering to inform our national and international obligations, we do a sterling job with far fewer resources than other five-eye nations.

Current conflict in Lebanon, Israel, Gaza and Syria, highlights the sometimes life-threatening circumstances our United Nations peace-keepers can encounter in our nation's commitment to contribute to a wider international rules based order and stability.

Cyclone Gabrielle and subsequent extreme weather events, remind New Zealanders of how much we and our Pacific neighbours depend on the courage and expertise of Defence personnel to assist people in coping with the aftermath of extreme weather events. Climate change is a huge challenge for us all.

I have been proud to act as reviewing officer at graduation ceremonies and Beat Retreat in Waitangi and look forward to 'push the colour' at the upcoming Kings Colour ceremony in Christchurch which reinstates a crucial part of our military legacy, recognising as it does the Māori Battalion and Pioneer Battalion battles. We will be the first Commonwealth country to issue the new Kings Colours under King Charles III.

Tonight's dinner is our way of saying, on behalf of fellow New Zealanders, how much we appreciate your leadership in the delivery of Defence services on behalf of Aotearoa New Zealand.

I fully intended this to be a celebration of recent leadership appointments. At the same time, I acknowledge HMNZS Manawanui and the aftermath of its loss may be top of mind for us all.

My thoughts have been with you all, especially Rear Admiral Golding, the crew of Manawanui and Defence personnel involved in the response to this sinking.

The progress of Defence Chiefs through to the highest levels of command is testament to the wealth of experience, training, and expertise you bring to those challenges, and which will serve you in good stead in inspiring those you lead with hope and confidence into the future.

Every time I visit other countries, be it the Republic of Korea such as the DMZ, Malaysia or Australia, they sing the praises of the New Zealand members of the Armed Forces and their contribution to their efforts. This goes beyond doing one's duty, to being the best person to fulfil a wider brief of leadership and collaboration. Thank you for this.

I wish you all the very best with your duties and look forward to working with you all. Please enjoy the hospitality of Government House tonight.

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