Welcome to Students from University of Canterbury

Monday 14 February 2005

Good morning. I'm Garry Moore, Mayor of Christchurch.

I'm a bit nervous about adding another welcome to the mix. When I looked at the programme for today I realised I may well be the sixth welcome you have had inflicted on you this morning. I know students have changed a bit since I was one, but I doubt that you have all got so serious that counting welcomes is your idea of a good time. So, in the spirit of teaching some basic Kiwi turns of phrase to you today I'll say..."G'day" to Christchurch.

I've also been asked not to talk about economics and math too much. I'm afraid I have never been good at rules. One of the largest European ethnic groups in New Zealand are those of Irish extraction. I fit into that category.

To the Irish mind a request to not do something often translates as an invitation. I was after all an accountant before I got well and went into politics. And the last figures I could find said that there were about 10,000 international students studying in Christchurch each year. Which is quite a lot.

Education has become one of the few real global commodities that fit into what people like to call the knowledge economy.

There is an old English saying that knowledge is power. In the global economy that is more true than ever.

For tiny wee nations like New Zealand, increasing our knowledge and intellectual capital base is going to mean the difference between future prosperity or failure.

Some of you here today will have come from new economic powerhouses like China and India. You and I are all aware that New Zealand will never compete in matters of scale. Here in Christchurch you are studying in New Zealand's most outward facing city. We are a city, and province that lives by international trade. We have a huge vested interest in taking an active role in developing the emergent world wide economy.

As a city we have already worked out some of the key ingredients that this process requires. One of the most crucial ingredients is a wide, fluid and constantly evolving mix of cultures, races and ways of life.

The creative and entrepreneurial sparks this sort of activity generates are why America's economy has astounded the world for so long.

As international students you are key players in this process of growth and renewal for us. Can I urge you today to make this an active role. Talk to us. Join us in our clubs, our sports, our culture groups and in our leisure and relaxation.

And if you want help with this, or any other thing ask for help. We have some people living and working here in Christchurch who first came here as international students under the old Colombo Plan. They reached out and took part 30 to 40 years ago. Some were made so welcome they ended up finding a new home. It might end up the same for some of you here today.

Once again. "G'day" to Christchurch.