Main menu
You are here
Home › New Year message - 2014New Year message - 2014
Kia ora koutou. Nga mihi o te tau hou. New Year greetings to you all.
The New Year holidays are a time to enjoy the long summer days and reconnect with our family and friends. Spending time during the holidays at home, at the beach or at a park with our friends and whānau reminds us just how important our families are to us and our society.
During 2014 the family will be in the spotlight as the United Nations marks the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
In New Zealand the structure and dynamics of our families has changed. The notion of a typical family is open to interpretation. While our families are now more diverse, the desire of parents to raise their children in a caring, loving environment has not changed.
New Zealand is a great place to raise a family. I often hear people say that everyone should have a New Zealand childhood. The care we provide to our most vulnerable citizens – our children – is a barometer of the wellbeing of our families and our society. While most families successfully cope with the inevitable challenges life throws at us, some do not. New Zealand has a strong record of organisations, like Plunket and Birthright New Zealand, working with families to help them raise their children.
The 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family is a time to take stock. As a nation, and as communities, we need to both celebrate our successes, and examine how we can help those families facing particular difficulties, so every child can grow up in a safe and secure home.
Our families have faced challenges in the past, and have emerged stronger as a result. In 2014 we will mark the centenary of the start of the First World War, and with that, the end of peace. The war to end all wars that began in 1914 unleashed a series of bloody conflicts that enveloped the first half of the 20th Century. Over the next five years we will mark both the centenaries of the battles of the First World War – including the Gallipoli Landing – and the 75th anniversaries of battles in the Second World War. In these and other conflicts, millions of lives were lost, and families were tragically torn apart.
The New Zealanders who answered the call of service in that war, and many conflicts since, did so to protect our country in the hope that their families and their children could live in peace. As we recall their sacrifices, we should never forget the untold suffering these conflicts caused for families and children.
As we make our resolutions for the New Year, and look to the year’s anniversaries, we should let the lessons learnt so painfully a century ago inform our appreciation of our families and the freedom we have to raise them in peace. Have a safe and happy summer holiday.
Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM QSO
Governor-General of New Zealand
Media resources
Tours of Government House Wellington for the public, schools and community groups are offered by our Visitor Centre.
Features
-
The Governor-General's Anzac of the Year Award 2016
-
New Year Message
-
A Ceremony of Welcome in New Zealand
-
Charlotte Royale cake recipe
-
Charlotte Royale recipe - in honour of Princess Charlotte
-
Prince Harry - Visit Itinerary
-
Amazing Easter Wreath
-
The Governor-General's Anzac of the Year Award
-
Bledisloe Garden Reception 2015
-
New Year Message
-
Christmas Eccles Cakes
-
State Banquet for the President of China
-
Grilled Turbot Fillet and Cwmglyn Rarebit
-
The Governor-General and Government Formation After the Election
-
Government House Recipes - Orange and Olive Oil Syrup Cake
-
New Year message - 2014Governor-General's 2014 New Year message
-
New Year Honours 2014Queen honours New Zealand's best
-
Nelson MandelaGovernor-General pays tribute to South African leader
-
Niue and the Cook IslandsVisits reaffirm special relationships within the Realm of New Zealand
-
Badge of the General Fono of TokelauGovernor-General hosts ceremony at Government House
-
Leadership WeekGovernor-General leads the Sir Peter Blake Trust Dream Team
-
Matariki 2013Governor-General recognises the contribution of women
-
Coronation Diamond JubileeThe Governor-General looks back at the Queen's 1953 Coronation
-
AIDS Candlelight MemorialMessage from the Governor-General
-
South Canterbury and North Otago Regional Visit20-23 February: An overview
-
Waitangi Day - 2013Governor-General and Lady Janine visit Waitangi and Auckland
-
New Year Message 2013Governor-General issues his 2013 New Year message
-
New Year Honours 2013New Zealanders recognised by The Queen of New Zealand
-
Birthday cakeSecrets of Government House birthday cake revealed
-
Diamond Jubilee visitRoyal couple to visit Auckland, Wellington, Manawatu and Christchurch
-
Royal receptionPrince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall prepare for trip to downunder
-
New Zealand's Governor-GeneralGovernment House publishes new booklet
-
2012 London Olympic GamesThe Governor-General supports the NZ Olympic Team in London
-
Diamond Jubilee messageThe Governor-General's Diamond Jubilee message
-
Open to view - credentials ceremoniesWatch the video of a credentials ceremony at Government House
-
Western Bay of Plenty regional visitThe Governor-General makes his first official visit.
-
Open Days 2014Government House Open Days 2014
-
Christchurch and Canterbury Earthquake AnniversaryThe Governor-General's Programme
-
Waitangi Celebrations 2012The Governor-General's first Waitangi Day Programme
-
Governor-General's New Year MessageSir Jerry Mateparae issues his 1st New Year message - watch the video
-
State Opening of ParliamentGovernor-General announces the Government's plans
-
Speaker-elect confirmation ceremonyDr Smith confirmed as Speaker of the House
-
Appointment of the new GovernmentThe Governor-General appoints the new Government
-
Queen's Diamond Jubilee EmblemNew emblem to mark the Diamond Jubilee
-
Rugby World CupMessage from the Queen of New Zealand on the All Blacks' victory
-
State Swearing-in of Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry MateparaeA Government House short film
-
Royal NZ Navy 70th AnniversaryThe Governor-General hosted and attended associated events
-
New Zealand Gallantry AwardsGovernment House has today issued a special honours list
-
One year on from the 4 September 2010 Canterbury earthquakeGovernor-General issues a message
-
Swearing in ceremonySir Jerry Mateparae to become NZ's 20th Governor-General
-
Sir Paul ReevesNew Zealand's first Governor-General of Maori descent dies
-
Visit by King George Tupou V of TongaThe Governor-General hosted a State Welcome for the King of Tonga
-
Māori King visits Government HouseThe King plants a tree to mark the visit
-
MatarikiThe Governor-General's 2011 Matariki Message
-
The Royal WeddingSir Anand and Lady Susan attended the Royal Wedding on 29 April
-
ANZAC Day messageThe Governor-General's message for ANZAC Day commemorations
-
The National Christchurch Memorial ServiceDetails and photos are available here.
-
Christchurch EarthquakeGovernor-General offers the support of all New Zealanders
-
Canterbury earthquakeWorld leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
-
Waitangi Day 2011Sir Anand Satyanand's last Waitangi Day as Governor-General
-
New Year MessageGovernor-General issues his message for 2011
-
Pike River Mine TragedyWorld leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
-
Governor-General visits CanterburyA visit to support and encourage those affected by the earthquake
-
New Year MessageGovernor-General issues his message for 2010
-
Governor-General's 2009 New Year MessageNew Zealanders urged to volunteer