Reception for the Iwi Chairs Forum 2026

Kei āku nui

Kei āku rahi

Rau Rangatira mā, koutou e pīkau i nga moemoeā ō ā tātou iwi, a tātou hapu, a tātou whanau.

Nau mai, rarau mai i runga i te reo karanga o te pō.

This afternoon at Te Tii was quite a homecoming. My grandmother would have been so proud to see the renewal underway at the marae.

I cannot think of a more appropriate way to end this special day - in this beautiful place - than to be with you all. Thank you so much for making time to be here.

When I was appointed as Governor-General, I wanted to have a direct relationship with iwi Māori, and so I initiated this tradition of hosting Iwi Chairs.

There is always so much going on, so much to think about - and there is no substitute for touching base and hearing your perspectives, kanohi ki te kanohi.

I appreciate this opportunity to hear from you about the challenges you are dealing with - as well as the inspirational things you are doing.

Please see tonight as time out from the weight of expectations that are placed on you - from all sides of the spectrum.

On previous occasions, I have seen you set a high bar for singalongs - and my challenge to you, tonight, is to set the bar even higher.

I am keen to connect with everyone here, and so I won't hold up things any further.

Please enjoy the manaakitanga extended to you this evening as an expression of my aroha and sincere appreciation of everything you do as kaitiaki of our whenua, moana and awa - and your work to build whanaungatanga and oranga at home - and kotahitanga across Aotearoa.

Thank you for your courage and commitment to leadership - in all its complexity. Thank you for everything you do to build resilience and prosperity for future generations - and I wish you all the very best for the year ahead.