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July 2009

New Zealand On The Global Stage Into The Future

Submitted by Heather Roy on Sat, 04/07/2009 - 7:09pm

Hon Heather Roy speech to the Model United Nations Conference; Rutherford House, Victoria University, Thorndon, Wellington; Saturday, July 4 2009.

Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa.

United Nations Youth Association President Matt McGrath, Model United Nations Coordinator Nigel Smith, Honourable Delegates of this Model United Nations, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen.

This is the 10th annual New Zealand Model United Nations conference run by the United Nations Youth Association of New Zealand. It is also 10 years since that association - of which you are all now members - was established.

You have come a long way. Congratulations on continuing to educate young New Zealanders about the important issues facing the world - a world that your generation will soon lead.

So Others Might Live In Safety

Submitted by Heather Roy on Sat, 18/07/2009 - 2:25pm

Hon Heather Roy speech to Operation RATA II Departure; Ohakea Airmovements Terminal, Ohakea; Saturday, July 18 2009.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Air Vice Marshall Peter Stockwell: it's a pleasure to be here this morning to farewell our soldiers and sailors, and to meet with the families and friends of those deploying today.

I can see and feel that you are all 'in the zone' - you have been well trained and prepared for your task and I have every confidence that you are ready, willing and able to do the job your country has asked of you.

Seeking The Best For Our Children

Submitted by Heather Roy on Sun, 19/07/2009 - 1:00pm

Hon Heather Roy speech to ACT Regional Conference; Bunnythorpe Methodist Church Hall, Bunnythorpe; Saturday, July 18 2009

The current economic climate has had a significant effect on our decision-making. Things that we, as a country and as individuals, had previously been able to afford are now thought about much more carefully before the cheque is written.

A recent article in the UK's 'Telegraph' newspaper told a story that we in New Zealand are already well familiar with. It's essentially about parents, unable to afford a private school education and wanting to send their children to particular State-run schools because they like the style of education offered, but then being unable to do so for a variety of reasons - most often because they live outside the enrolment zone. The article concluded that:

"To win an elusive place in the school of their choice, parents are using tactics that make Machiavelli look like Snow White."

Making A Real Difference

Submitted by Heather Roy on Mon, 27/07/2009 - 10:14am

Hon Heather Roy speech to the Southland Region Board of Trustees Annual General Meeting; Kelvin Hotel, Kelvin Street, Invercargill; Tuesday, July 21 2009.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening, and thank you for the invitation to speak at your AGM.

Unlike many Wellingtonians, I'm not afraid to visit Invercargill in the winter. I spent a year at Kew Hospital as a third-year physiotherapy student, met my husband here and have family living locally.

These things may mean that my Southland credentials aren't perfect, but I do have a little history with the region!

I'd like to begin by thanking you for the contribution you make. We - the Government and parents - expect a lot from you and, when I consider how it is those of you who are Board Trustees got to be where you are, I have a great deal of admiration for your efforts and achievements.