Monday, April 07, 2008
Good morning.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Hutt City for your Silver Jubilee.
This is a very special occasion and I want to thank you for inviting me to be part of it.
Today we celebrate 25 years of groups in the Wellington region supporting those in our community with Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease (CORD).
This is as significant achievement, and something you should rightfully be very proud of.
It is fitting that we should be marking the occasion in Hutt City, as it was here the very first CORD group in New Zealand was established in 1983.
From those early beginnings, I understand there are now over 30 groups across the country supporting those with respiratory conditions.
With over 200,000 New Zealanders having CORD, including 15% of Kiwis aged 45 or over, it is support that is much needed and welcomed.
CORD, be it Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, Asthma or another lung-related disease, touches everyone at some point in their lives - either personally or through a friend or family member.
Especially for those battling with the disease, it can be frightening and stressful experience that brings on feelings of depression, loneliness and isolation.
It is comforting to know there are local support groups where sufferers can turn to and share common experiences and problems.
Having such a support network can help alleviate the symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life of those with it.
I know that your groups make a tremendous difference to the lives of those with the disease.
I often say volunteers are the heart of the community.
They are also vital to the level of services community-based organisations such as yours are able to provide.
That there are nine groups in the Wellington region, including three in Hutt City, is a credit to your cause and the quality of your organisation.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for sharing your time to help others and in doing so making our community a better, more caring place.
Today you have a very busy programme of speakers and activities. I trust that you will have an enjoyable and productive time.
Once again, thank you for your invitation to be part of at this very special occasion and best wishes for a bright future.
I now declare the Silver Jubilee officially open.