Kia ora koutou katoa.
 
Staff and families of the Educational Child Care Centre, and a special acknowledgement of Veronica Chatwin who was described in my notes as the old principal who started the process – although I am sure they meant to say former principal.
 
May I also acknowledge my friend Abby Savage as I expect I wouldn't have been here today – after two weeks of hearings on the city's Long Term Plan – if it were not for her. We go back a long way.

Governor Janette Irvine, District 16 Board members, Zontians.
 
Thank you for inviting me to speak today.
 
Last night I addressed the NZ Conference of BPW, which is holding its annual conference here in Christchurch.
 
Their Conference theme is Building Leadership from a Firm Foundation. I said there was an irony in that theme, as in Christchurch as our leaders had emerged from shaky ground.

Kia ora koutou katoa.
 
Professor Rajesh Dhakal, president of the New Zealand Nepalese Friendship Society, Mark Inglis, City Councillors, members of the Nepalese community, and Christchurch residents.
 
Thank you for coming out tonight to stand with the people of Nepal.
 
This is an opportunity to show our love and support for the Nepalese community, and to stand side-by-side in solidarity with our local Nepalese residents.

I am pleased to welcome BPW NZ to Christchurch.
 
I am sorry I could not be here for the first part of your evening as I was involved in supporting what was a partnership between the Christchurch Nepalese community, the Student Volunteer Army and we as a city to hold a candlelight vigil in solidarity with the people of Nepal and surrounding areas affected by the earthquake.
 
In Christchurch we understand what it is like to wake up to a large earthquake and also to experience an even stronger shake less than 6 months later, when many had already expected that the worst was over. We know the pain of losing loved ones and friends, our homes and communities.