Kia ora. Nga mihi o te tau hou. Greetings to you all, for the New Year. It’s an honour as Governor-General, and representative of Her Majesty the Queen of New Zealand, to give my first New Year message.
The start of the year is a time when most of us take a break, catch up with family and friends and enjoy the long summer days. It’s also a time when we reflect on the year that was and look forward to the year ahead.
To view more images from the ceremony, click here
The Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, visited Parliament Buildings on 21 January 2011 for the State Opening of Parliament and to outline the Government’s plans for the next three years.
To view more images from the ceremony, click here
The Governor-General, Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, confirmed the House of Representatives' choice of Speaker at a ceremony at Government House on 20 December 2011.
As well as confirming Dr The Rt Hon Lockwood Smith as Speaker of the House, Sir Jerry Mateparae also confirmed the rights and privileges of the House and authorised Dr Smith to administer the oath or affirmation of allegiance to members of Parliament.
For more photos, click here.
The Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, appointed the new Government at a ceremony at Government House in Wellington on Wednesday 14 December 2011.
During the ceremony, Sir Jerry Mateparae asked the Rt Hon John Key to confirm that he could form a government that would command the confidence of the House of Representatives, and once Mr Key confirmed that position Sir Jerry appointed him as Prime Minister.
Governor-General Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae today (29 November) released a new emblem to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II next year.
“Queen Elizabeth has been our Queen since 6 February 1952,” Sir Jerry said. “She continues to be held in very high regard by the people of this country. As her representative in New Zealand I’m delighted to release this beautiful emblem, which honours her 60 years as our sovereign.”
To the Governor-General of New Zealand:
I was delighted to learn of New Zealand's victory in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. As one of the many who has admired the extraordinary fortitude of New Zealand's people in the face of recent disaster, I am so glad to know how much pleasure the All Blacks' victory has brought to the entire nation. Please convey to the team and management my warmest congratulations on their outstanding achievement.
ELIZABETH R
Presenting a short film covering the State Swearing-in of New Zealand's 20th Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae.
From 29 September – 3 October 2011 eleven ships of the RNZN assembled at Wellington to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of King George VI granting our Naval Forces his royal recognition.
Events over the weekend included the changing of the RNZN Queen’s Colours at Parliament, a street parade of more than 300 sailors down Lambton Quay, an Anniversary Church Service at the Cathedral of St Paul and, open days onboard ships berthed at Lambton Harbour.
Government House has today issued a special honours list, recognising the acts of gallantry of four members of the New Zealand Defence Force.
Today's awards comprise one New Zealand Gallantry Star, two New Zealand Gallantry Decorations, and one New Zealand Gallantry Medal.
For more detail, click here.
The Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, has issued a message to reflect on the year that has passed since the 4 September 2010 earthquake.
Early in the morning on 4 September 2010, a violent earthquake shook Christchurch and Canterbury. No lives were lost, but the tragedy and devastation that would unfold in the coming 12 months, could not be imagined. On that very same day, nine lives were lost in an aircraft accident at Fox Glacier on the West Coast.
Government House has been the home and office of New Zealand's Governor-General for more than a century. Learn more about this iconic building and its role in New Zealand's history, government and constitution. Find out more.
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Reddit
Google
MySpace