Royal Humane Society Medal Presentation

E nga rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui mai nei I tenei waa, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai ra ki Te Whare o te Kawana Tinara o Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

Distinguished guests - my very warmest greetings to you all, and welcome to Government House Wellington.

I'd like to specifically acknowledge: Police Commissioner Richard Chambers; Lieutenant Colonel Nikki Gardner, (Rtd.), Director, Royal Humane Society; Gareth Murfitt, Executive Officer, Royal Humane Society; and Major Kate Weinberg, (Rtd.), Royal Humane Society.

And of course, the warmest welcome to today's recipients of the Royal Humane Society Awards, and to your families - tēnā koutou kaatoa.

It is my privilege, as Governor-General, to host this award ceremony where we can acknowledge outstanding acts of bravery. I'm honoured to join a long line of Governors-General, who, since 1898, have acted as the Royal Humane Society's Patron.

Today, we will hear remarkable stories of exceptional courage and presence of mind in highly dangerous situations - and we will acknowledge those who put their lives at risk to help and to uphold the mana of others.

What makes today's ceremony particularly notable is that two previous recipients of Silver Medals have returned today to receive the highest award provided by the Royal Humane Society in the United Kingdom - the Stanhope Medal. It is gratifying to see their heroic actions receive the international recognition it deserves.

Shortly, Ms Catriona MacLeod will read the recipients' citations. As each recipient is honoured, I invite you to join me in acknowledging and congratulating them.

Following the citations

It's been my honour to present Royal Humane Society Medals to these brave New Zealanders, each of whom has demonstrated tremendous courage in the face of great danger, where your own lives could so easily have been lost.

The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius once said: "You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."

The stories we have heard today stand as true testament to the strength of the human spirit in overcoming what most people would consider to be insurmountable odds.

It takes remarkable selflessness, courage, and compassion to put the lives and safety of others above your own. As Governor-General, on behalf of all New Zealanders, I sincerely thank today's recipients for your exceptional acts of bravery, and your service to Aotearoa.

Kia ora, kia kaha, huihui tātou katoa.