A Visit by the President of Ireland

President McAleese arriving at the Hutt Valley Irish Society

All photos are, of course, generously provided by Emotif Photography

Acknowledging those present Some of the Society's youngsters awaiting the arrival and the others on the other side Fiach and Mary Gahan Christy O'Toole receiving instructions Jayne Mulligan, with Mason Rene and Rose Peoples in front Nicola Braid and Eleanor O'Toole Eleanor with flowers for the President President McAleese and Dr Martin McAleese are introduced to Dick Ives and Shirley Duffy of HVIS Greeting Christy O'Toole Conor Peoples Donal Gahan Beth Peoples Fiach Gahan doesn't look too sure President McAleese admired the flowers presented by Eleanor President McAleese delivered and interesting and insightful address to HVIS members Dora Murphy presented an gift to President McAleese on behalf of HVIS The McAleeses signed the HVIS Guest Book Introduced to Dora and Denis Murphy Meeting Austin and Anne O'Carroll, with Joe Coffey in the background Taling to Joe and Ann Coffey Tom Cassidy was on his best behaviour Colleen and Sanet Battiston meet the President Len Nicol didn't miss out John Desmond and President McAleese in conversation Fiach Gahan wasn't as brave as his mother, Kathryn Alice and Conor Paul chatted about rowing to President McAleese Joan Larkin chatting to the President and Dr McAleese The crossing of the hands as the Raffans are introduced Christy O'Toole impressed the President and her husband President McAleese had kind words for Teresa Burke Ray Janes was entertained, although Bridget wasn't too sure about the strangers! Kay, Katie and Abby Braid, watched by Cathy Stephens were introduced President McAleese chatting with Damian Duffy Shirley finally got to introduce her husband, David, to President McAleese and Dr McAleese The McAleeses chatting to Eleanor, John and Lyn O'Toole Eddie Delahunty chatting to the President President McAleese was interested in what Phil Lynch had to say Ciaran and President McAleese and Dr McAleese deep in conversation Desiree Mulligan is amused by the comments of the President President McAleese meeting Mary and Kevin Regan Stephen, Debbie and Matthew Salter discussed studies with the President and her husband The McAleese family from Antrim met Adrian Peoples also from Antrim, along with Rose and Kirsten Edie Marian and Sean Lake from Laois and Limerick in conversation with President McAleese and Dr McAlese Patrick Braid was filming the event for HVIS, which interested the President President McAleese thanked Shirley for her hospitality and warm welcome President McAleese said farewell to the members of the Society and finally said thank you and farewell to Dick Ives, Patron of the Hutt Valley Irish Society

Some media coverage of the NZ visit

McAleese to pay tribute to NZ Irish
President meeting Irish immigrants
Ex-pats step out at Mary's Kiwi visit
McAleese on State visit to New Zealand
President gets NZ honorary degree
Maoris give President clear run in Wellington
Hands up if you're old and Irish
Irish PM's visit to NZ marks boost for film industry
Irish president likens NZ to Ireland
Irish president welcomed to NZ
Ireland President's NZ visit underway
Otago to honour Irish President

Remarks by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, at the Hutt Valley Irish Society, Tuesday 30 October 2007

Ms Shirley Duffy, President of the Hutt Valley Irish Society, Committee Members, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to be here with you today. Thank you very much for the invitation to join you at the Irish Club's wonderful premises. It is inspiring to meet, at the far side of the world from Ireland, such a thriving, energetic Irish community.

The Irish have played a key role in the shaping of modern New Zealand. We are proud of you and of the contribution which you have made to your adopted homeland.

The genuine, deep-seated affinity between Kiwi and Gael has been apparent to me throughout the course of my trip, and the personal connection, built on ties of kinship and shared experience lies at the heart of that.

New Zealand has long been a major centre for the global Irish family, as a result of its long history of providing a generous, tolerant home to our emigrants throughout the ages. The result of this common history is the ubiquitous Irish footprint in every aspect of New Zealand life. From the original administrative units of New Ulster and New Munster, right through to the city of Wellington, named for Arthur Wellesley, the Dublin-born first Duke of Wellington. Given the natural affection of the Irish for politics, it comes as little wonder that our imprint here seems deeper in that area than in almost any other area of New Zealand life. From New Zealand's beginning, right through to the present day, with Prime Minister Clark's grandfather an emigrant from Co. Armagh in 1910, the Irish connection - from both major traditions - is strong throughout, and one of which you should all be justifiably proud.

At the root of Ireland's rich contribution to New Zealand life is a sad story - emigration. For years, Ireland haemorrhaged its best and brightest, the very possibility of a better future, for want of our ability to sustain them. Times have changed now, however, and for the first time in 150 years, more people are moving to Ireland than are leaving, many of them our own original emigrants, returning to a land of promise, opportunity and confidence.

Twelve percent of the Irish workforce today was born abroad, an enormous change, which presents many challenges to our society. New Zealand, with its history of tolerance and sensitive integration, has much to teach us. You are living examples of its success.

And yet at the same time, you have maintained your strong Irish identity. When travelling, I love calling on Irish clubs and socieities. I really enjoy meeting with people who - no matter how distant their link to Ireland - are still fiercely proud of who they are and where they come from. You are our unpaid ambassadors, and you are doing a fantastic job. You also showcase brilliantly the ease with which you love two countries, two cultures, native home and adopted homeland loved differently but loved equally and each benefitting from such fine shared children.

The Irish Government is committed to the continued wellbeing of our Irish Family around the globe. As part of a programme of which will be extended to other New Zealand societies, the Minister for Foreign Affairs recently announced funding for the development by Auckland Irish Welfare of a community network for Irish citizens in New Zealand to provide advice and assistance to members of the Irish community who may be in need or distress. Although you are miles away, you are never distant in our thoughts, and this we hope is a tangible expression of our deep and abiding care for you.

I have relished the opportunity to spend some time with you. It's been a real pleasure, and I wish you all the best of success in the coming years.