Charter Parade HMNZS Canterbury

Saturday 30 June 2007

Acknowledgements:

Lt Gen Jerry Mateparae, Chief of Defence Force
Rear Admiral David Ledson, Chief of Navy
Commanding Officer, Tony Millar
Fellow Mayors
Members of Parliament
and distinguished guests

On behalf of the Councils and Citizens of Central and North Canterbury it is my pleasure to welcome Commanding Officer Tony Millar and the ship's company of HMNZS CANTERBURY on the occasion of this the very first Charter Parade on the very first visit to the home port of Lyttelton, by the newly commissioned HMNZS CANTERBURY.

I commend the Commanding Officer and the ship's company on the high standard of their turn out and parade today. You do your ship and our Navy proud. I have great delight today in granting freedom of the city, and on behalf of the Mayors of Central and North Canterbury, freedom of their districts also. This freedom is not given lightly. It is a long standing custom stretching back to the time of the middle ages. It recognises, cements and fosters the close association this region has with the ship and those who sail on her.

This Charter Parade is a first of its type in New Zealand. The six Mayors of Central and North Canterbury have collectively signed the charter on behalf of their council and citizens. We encourage you all to embrace the CANTERBURY as one of our own. I know the people of the province will take this ship into their hearts. They are hospitable, loyal and love showing people their city and region. The ships crew will enjoy their visits 'home'.

What we see here today is just one, very small part of what the Navy does. What we don't see, or in fact hear much about, or perhaps appreciate is the main job of the Navy and ships such as the CANTERBURY. Most of their work occurs out of sight, away from land and often overseas and often in areas of international confrontation and disaster.

For example, the previous CANTERBURY played a very critical role in the New Zealand Governments protest at Murarora. She also carried out Armilla Patrols in the Arabian Sea, Sanctions against Iraq in the Arabian Gulf, was involved in two royal visits, and the 1974 Commonwealth Games, and was involved in Battle of Crete and Battle of Atlantic celebrations. There are many more other amazing activities our first HMNZS CANTERBURY was involved in.

As Citizens of Christchurch we should not only commend these young men and women's commitment to this City, but also applaud their personal commitment to their Country and their Navy and to do so through the harsh and unforgiving medium of the ocean.

HMNZS CANTERBURY has historically assisted its special charity, the Cholmondeley Children's Home, through working parties and generous donations. The Cholmondeley Children's Home is situated not far from Lyttelton at Governors Bay and has a great view down the harbour. Yesterday the children of Cholmondeley were invited to a Pirates Party on board Canterbury. I am sure they had a fantastic time.

We thank you for this support and for giving young people of our region opportunities that they would never have had.

On behalf of the citizens of Central and North Canterbury, best wishes for the future of HMNZS Canterbury. Safe passage to all those her sail on her and thank you for being part of our community.

ENDS