New Zealand has a very special place in the hearts and minds of people in Britain.
And in this last two weeks, New Zealand has come into all our homes as we have watched the very successful Commonwealth games in Auckland. What a very happy occasion they were, reflecting great credit on the organisers and on New Zealand.
No-one in Britain will ever forget the way in which New Zealanders came right across the world to our help in two world wars and fought in a common cause, with very heavy sacrifices.
We mark that every year on anzac day: and this year it will be a very special occasion, because we shall be commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings—I hope to be going there myself, and some of the [end p1] last survivors will be present: and that will remind us of one of the great, historic battles which are part of the history we share.
We shall not forget, either, the way in which New Zealand was the first country to rally to our side in the Falklands war and offered to send any help we needed.
I know it was a bit of a shock for New Zealand when Britain joined the European Community. But we have always fought very hard indeed within Europe for New Zealand's interests, on butter and sheepmeat, and never let you down. And of course New Zealand itself has carried out a quite remarkable transformation of its economy, which we all respect and admire.
It is a matter of sadness to us that in recent years we have not been able to continue the practice of naval visits and that our defence relations are not, therefore, [end p2] as close as once they were. We wish that problem did not exist. But it has not affected our readiness always to speak up for New Zealand and her people, nor will it in future.
We were all very glad to see your new Geoffrey PalmerPrime Minister at the Commonwealth Prime Minister's meeting in Malaysia, where he made a very substantial and important contribution. I think his message, which the high commissioner has just read out, expresses very well the great importance of Waitangi day for New Zealand.
The achievements of the past 150 years have been remarkable and we all congratulate you on them. I hope one day to go and see them for myself.
Our relations are very close. Something like eight million of our people have family links with New Zealanders and that creates a very special sort of bond between us. [end p3]
If ever there is any danger of our feeling superior, you promptly send over the All Blacks to cut us down to size.
So it is a great privilege to join this evening in the celebration of 150 years of achievement: 150 years, too, of friendship and loyalty between two great countries.
May I therefore ask you to join with me in drinking a toast to “New Zealand and its people” .