Governor-General’s New Year Message

Kia ora koutou. Nga mihi o te tau hou. New Year greetings to you all.

In 2018, we honoured some great New Zealanders.

We marked anniversaries of events that impacted on our country and the wider world.

I was privileged to represent New Zealand at Gallipoli on Anzac Day, and in November, I attended commemorations at Le Quesnoy, in France, where I led hundreds of New Zealanders at events to mark the liberation of the town by New Zealand troops 100 years ago.

The following week, 100 years after the Armistice ending the First World War, our commemorations at Pukeahu expressed the joy and relief of our forebears, after four long years of war.

In March, we launched the commemorations to mark 125 years since New Zealand led the world in achieving votes for women. Later in the year, during the Royal Visit, the Duchess of Sussex recognised New Zealand’s leadership.

In 2019, I hope New Zealanders will lead the world again, this time in taking responsibility for reducing our carbon footprint on the planet, helping us meet our international commitments to combat climate change.

Whether it’s making changes to transport and energy, how we use land and water, or generate waste – if we all work together, we can make a difference.

No reira, tena koutou katoa.

The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy

Governor-General of New Zealand

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