As I said before the fact that you are gaining citizenship on Waitangi Day makes this occasion even more significant, as it is today that we reflect on our bi-cultural nationhood that has enabled us to celebrate the diversity of the multi-cultural society that we have become.

Members of Parliament, fellow councillors, Board members of the Christchurch Art Gallery Foundation, guests and visitors from elsewhere.
 
I remember sitting on the forecourt on the 10th May 2003, along with the then Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Helen Clark, who was also the Minister for Arts, Culture & Heritage, the then gallery director, Tony Preston, who is here this evening, Ros Burden, who led the extraordinary fundraising effort that contributed a significant sum to the 47.5M that it cost, and many others.
 
It was an extraordinary achievement.  And we felt it. 

Rev Sandy Kaa, Members of Parliament, Poto Williams & Jo Hayes, Lynne Teaika, Ngai Tahu, Principal Neill O’Reilly and all the teachers and staff, Board Chair Andrew Shipley and all the trustees, Canterbury Director of Education Coralanne Child, families and friends.
 
The opening today of Waitakiri Primary school is not only an important milestone for this area, it is milestone for the City.