Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta Luncheon

E nga mana, e nga reo, e nga iwi o te motu e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa.

I'd like to specifically acknowledge:

Commodore Shane Arndell, Maritime Component Command and President of Auckland Anniversary Regatta Committee and, Eric Mahoney, Vice Chair of Auckland Anniversary Regatta Committee.

Thank you for the warm welcome here today. I am grateful for the invitation to attend what has become one of the most anticipated events of the year in Auckland.

I am delighted to continue the patronage of the Regatta, a role which each of my predecessors has enthusiastically filled.

As I look out over the Waitematā Harbour and Hauraki Gulf, I am reminded that we are a nation of people who have built our histories and livelihoods around the sea. Many of us will have ancestors who got their first glimpse of Aotearoa when they sailed into this very harbour.

We're also a country that both thrives on friendly competition - and prides itself on winning. This harbour has seen some of our greatest victories - Sir Peter Blake's triumphant entry on Steinlager 2 during the 1989-90 Whitbread Round the World Race, and the 2000 and 2021 America's Cup defences by Emirates Team New Zealand.

The sight of vessels blanketing the harbour is one that many Aucklanders have enjoyed on anniversary days throughout the years. Today's event, as it was conceived as in 1840, is an ode to the City of Sails. Whatever changes Auckland has experienced in the past 186 years, the natural beauty of its harbour remains.

Aside from sailing, the Waitematā Harbour sustains us as a productive fishing area and acts as a sanctuary for our indigenous marine life and valuable mangroves. Its port provides thousands of jobs and connects us with the world.

The first Governor of New Zealand and naval captain, William Hobson, identified the merits of the harbour and had the foresight to take charge of the original naval facility on the North Shore in 1841.

It's appropriate that we should celebrate Auckland's anniversary day on the harbour that is its lifeforce and defining feature.

Over a century ago, the New Zealand Herald captured the essence of the Regatta, writing of the 1924 event:

'The lure of the blue waters, the sparkle of sunshine on the waves, the freshening breeze from an azure sky, still hold sway over the hearts of Aucklanders.'

As we take in the spectacle of the 186^th year of the Regatta today, it is evident competitors and spectators alike still carry the same reverence and enthusiasm for this unique event.

Thank you once again for the invitation to attend this historic occasion at a venue that affords us one of the best views in the city.

Congratulations to the Auckland Anniversary Regatta Committee on another successful event.

I would also like to extend my thanks to the Royal New Zealand Navy for their continued and valued contribution. I look forward to seeing you again next week up in Waitangi.

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.