Opening of New Apostolic Training Centre

Sunday 29 June 2003

It’s a pleasure to be here to help open up something that combines two of my pet passions, positive immigration and education. There is no secret that in my view we need both if we are to prosper in the present and the future.

Also, it is fairly well known that I believe immigration has to be a two way street with a willingness to learn and grow on both sides.

It is also worth noting that there is a quiet explosion going on in faith-based education in this city. Another sign of the huge hunger amongst people for certainty and some sense of continuity in a very fast changing world.

If the old saying that faith without works holds true, it would be fair to say the faith that drives the Christchurch Apostolic Training Centres is in fine working order. It has apparently been a hugely busy time for you all.

That of course creates its own reward. I am amongst the many who know that if you want something done, you give the job to the busy man.

I believe in fact you have had to take over whole buildings to meet the demands created in recent years.

I’m delighted to note that you have also shown leadership in taking on some of the students hurt when another training provider went under. A responsible example of leadership and responsibility that has helped the credibility of all of us.

In the coming months I will be starting to beat the education drum for Christchurch louder and louder. It is not just immigrants and students who should be taking an active interest in education. We all have to do so.

We will not be able to play a real role in any knowledge economy without quality education that gives everyone good levels of literacy, numeracy and above all else, the ability to think creatively.

Immigration plays a key role in getting this cross-fertilisation of ideas going. New Zealanders are amongst the most resourceful, entrepreneurial people on earth. Combine that tradition with new ideas and attitudes and as a nation we will be unstoppable.

It is worth bearing in mind that really we are still a very young nation. Campuses such as this will help us build our future well and on a sound base.