Credentials continued this afternoon, with five more Heads of Mission welcomed to Government House, marking the start of their mandates: Her Excellency Ms Mateja Štrumelj Piškur, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia; His Excellency Mr Per Albert Ilsaas, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway; His Excellency Mr Macocha Moshe Tembele, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania; Her Excellency Mrs Carla Saragoça, Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic; Her Excellency Ms Monika Tomašovičová, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic.
On this beautiful Wellington spring morning, the Governor-General welcomed five new Heads of Mission to Government House, marking the beginning of their diplomatic appointments to Aotearoa New Zealand: Her Excellency Ms Louise Cantillon, High Commissioner of the United Kingdom; Her Excellency Ms Lucie Samcová-Hall Allen, Ambassador of the European Union; His Excellency Mr Zhao Xing, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China; His Excellency Mr Nom Piseth, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia; and His Excellency Mr Donatas Butkus, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania.
Dame Cindy expressed her appreciation for the important role of diplomacy in strengthening international relationships, and wished each Head of Mission every success in their new roles.
Public Service Day was first celebrated in 2018 and commemorates the date of assent for New Zealand’s first Public Service Act in 1912. To mark this occasion, the New Zealand Public Service Medal was established by Royal Warrant in 2018 and is now proudly part of our Royal Honours system.
This afternoon, Government House played host to nine exceptional public servants and their whānau who were recognised for their outstanding commitment to New Zealand and New Zealanders. Dame Cindy presented each recipient with their insignia and thanked them for their dedication, saying in her speech, ‘How fortunate we are that you have all chosen to make a difference through our public service. New Zealand is strengthened by the knowledge, skills, and principles you bring each day to your work.’ You can read Dame Cindy's full speech here: Public Service Day Awards 2026.
A further seven recipients were awarded the Public Service Commissioner’s Commendation for Excellence, recognising outstanding spirit of service shown by a public servant.
Congratulations to all of today’s recipients, and thank you for your ongoing commitment to your departments, your colleagues, and the people of New Zealand.
On this beautiful Wellington afternoon, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a very special event at Government House – the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association’s National Achievement Awards, celebrating the talents and contributions of people with Down syndrome across Aotearoa.
Warmest congratulations to this year’s National Achievement Award recipients – Laetitia Tan, Lily Mae Ivatt-Oakley, and Xervier Doney – whose accomplishments span sport, the performing arts, writing, leadership, and community service.
As Dame Cindy reflected in her remarks: ‘Each of us has our own sense of what makes a life fulfilling – the things we hope to do, the choices we wish to make, the future we imagine for ourselves. Inclusion begins when those hopes are heard and taken seriously.’
The occasion also recognised Linda te Kaat, who was made a Life Member of the NZDSA for more than 20 years of dedication to people with Down syndrome and their families, and Karen Tucker, recipient of the National Volunteer Award.
Another special moment saw the Frances Clarke Award join the national awards for the first time – honouring the memory of a much-loved young Wellingtonian who died aged just three.
Together, these awards were a wonderful celebration of achievement, and of the NZDSA’s 45 years of supporting people with Down syndrome to pursue their ambitions and shape their own futures.
This morning, Dame Cindy received a farewell call from His Excellency Alfredo Pérez Bravo, who has served as Ambassador of Mexico to New Zealand and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps since 2019. Ambassador Pérez Bravo recently marked fifty years of service with the Mexican Foreign Service and became their longest serving diplomat ever.
We wish His Excellency all the very best in his well-earned retirement.
At the beginning of October, Dame Cindy travelled to Palmerston North to attend a farewell dinner for Hato Hone St John Chancellor John Whitehead who is stepping down after six years in the role. John has served St John with great leadership, knowledge, and expertise, and has guided the organisation through some of its most difficult emergency responses in its history. In her speech, Dame Cindy quoted the whakataukī: Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua – those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.
Dame Cindy was also pleased to attend the Hato Hone St John Youth Inspection and Investiture Service. 23 postulants were invested into the Order of St John, serving across a range of roles from governance, ambulance operations, major incident support, Māori health equity, and health shuttle services. These investees have all made an indelible contribution to St John and the communities they serve.
This afternoon, ten individuals were honoured at the Christchurch Town Hall for their exceptional service, achievement and dedication to others, in Dame Cindy’s final investiture ceremony as Governor-General.
Associate Professor Nicola Austin received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to children’s health.
Four recipients received the insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Mrs Barbara Beable and Dr Michael Beable for services to athletics; Ms Kendall Flutey for services to business and financial literacy; and Pāpā Ruawhitu Pokaia for services to Māori and education.
Five further individuals received a King’s Service Medal for excellence in a range of fields.
Congratulations to this afternoon’s recipients, it has been a privilege to hear your stories and we thank you for your steadfast commitment to your communities and our country.
Investitures began at the Christchurch Town Hall this morning with ten recipients honoured in a range of fields.
Mr Riki Manuel received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori art. Mr Manuel (Ngāti Porou) began his career as a carver at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua, and in 1984, opened his own gallery, Toi Mana Māori Gallery.
Ms Jenny Hughey received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to community law and governance. Two recipients received the insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Mr Terry Nicholas for service to Māori and governance; and Mr Trevor Spittle for services to athletics.
Six New Zealanders received King’s Service Medals for their contribution to the Filipino community, conservation, brass bands, Scouts and the community.
Congratulations to all the recipients and their whānau.
Each year, the TG Macarthy Trust provides essential funding to hundreds of education and community groups across the greater Wellington region.
Founded by businessman Thomas George Macarthy in 1912, the Trust aims to improve education for children, support disadvantaged communities, and provide medical and emergency services. One of New Zealand’s largest charitable trusts, it distributes $3 million annually.
This morning, Dame Cindy welcomed members of the Trust’s board to Government House Wellington for their annual meeting.
For 100 years, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush has been a thriving environmental oasis enjoyed by generations of Wellingtonians. Conceived in 1926 as a ‘plant museum’ to house as many of New Zealand’s native species as possible, the reserve now boasts more than 1100 native plant species from as far north as the Kermadec Islands, to Campbell Island in the south.
Dame Cindy was delighted to attend the centenary celebrations at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush yesterday alongside staff, volunteers, and supporters who have dedicated their time and expertise to the conservation of this precious space.
In her speech, Dame Cindy reflected on the commitment we all have to nurturing and preserving the natural world so that it may be enjoyed by generations to come, remarking that ‘a garden is living testament to that purest of human attributes – hope. Those original curators of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush cultivated thousands of native plants with the knowledge that the fruits of their labour would be best enjoyed and tended to by those who came after them. Those who now tread these paths, the birds who enjoy the nectar of the kōwhai, the children who play on the lawn, do so in the footprints of all who have loved and cared for this place.’
Every day across the country, youth workers are building relationships that support our rangatahi to shine. Youth work in Aoteaora is largely invisible, but has a profound impact. A new report, launched today at Government House, has found that youth work creates $12.69 of social value for every $1 invested.
In her speech Dame Cindy remarked that “The current youth cohort – Generation Z – are the first true digital natives, with all the risk and reward that this inheritance brings. Gen Z’s grasp of technology and capacity to adapt to the rapidly-evolving online world can be baffling to older New Zealanders. Their day-to-day lives may also differ in many ways to earlier generations, but the fundamental human needs – to be seen, to belong, to feel valued – remain unchanged.”
This report created by Hands for Impact on behalf of Ara Taiohi, the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa, shows how youth work empowers young people to improve relationships, belonging, identity, wellbeing, safety, agency, participation, and future opportunities.
On Friday, Dame Cindy was delighted to host HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and HRH Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho of Tonga for lunch at Government House Auckland.
This visit reinforces the strong friendship enjoyed between Tonga and New Zealand and allowed Dame Cindy to return the warm hospitality she received during her visit to Tonga last year.
Today is Writ Day when the Governor-General issues formal direction to the Electoral Commission to hold the election – a key constitutional step in the election process. The writ sets out the closing date for nomination of candidates, polling day, and the latest date for the writ to be returned with the results.
This morning, Dame Cindy was joined by Electoral Commission members including Karl Le Quesne, Chief Electoral Officer, and the Hon Simon Moore KC, Chair of the Board, at Government House to sign the writ.
Under the Electoral Act, the writ must be issued within seven days of the dissolution of Parliament (the official end of the parliamentary term), which took place on 1 October.
Investitures at Government House Auckland concluded this afternoon, with eight more recipients honoured.
Professor Caroline Crowther received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to maternal and perinatal health.
Two recipients received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Mrs Ronelle Baker for services to children and people living with disabilities, and Ms Sandy Thompson for services to governance, education and children.
Four recipients were honoured with the insignia of an MNZM, and one received their KSM.
Congratulations to this afternoon’s recipients, and to all who been honoured throughout the week. It has been a privilege to hear your stories and we thank you for your steadfast commitment to your communities and our country.
During the final morning of investitures at Government House Auckland, eight individuals received honours for their commitment to our communities.
Mr Peter Thompson received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to philanthropy and rugby. Mr Thompson is managing director of Barfoot and Thompson, and has led long-term sponsorship of the Starship Foundation, raising over $6 million dollars for Starship since 2003.
Ms Ann Smaill received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to speech-language therapy. Ms Smaill is a speech-language therapist who pioneered Augmentative and Alternative Communication in New Zealand.
Five recipients received their MNZM for services to rhinology, music, rugby, education, Paediatric Surgery and the Sri Lankan community, and one recipient received their KSM for services to the community.
A further five exceptional New Zealanders were recognised at Government House Auckland this afternoon.
Ms Chloe Smith received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the screen industry. Ms Smith has been involved in 47 major screen projects, including Academy Award-winning films ‘The Piano’ and ‘The Power of the Dog’.
Mr Ken Williamson, KStJ, QSM, JP, received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to governance and the community.
Other outstanding individuals received their MNZM for services to health and nursing education, sexual health, particularly people living with HIV, and music therapy and seniors.
This morning, eight further New Zealanders received honours for their service to our communities.
Sir Peter Boshier was knighted for services to the State and the judiciary. Sir Peter was the Chief Ombudsman from 2015 to 2025, and has served as the Principal Family Court Judge, and as a Law Commissioner.
Miss Beatrice Faumuinā received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sport and governance. Miss Faumuinā was an elite athlete, representing New Zealand at four Olympic Games, five Commonwealth Games, and six World Athletics Championships.
Two recipients received their ONZM, three recipients received their MNZM, and one more was awarded their KSM for services in a range of fields, including governance and the community, arts and philanthropy, education, the Pacific community, rugby, seniors and cultural heritage.
Investitures continued in Auckland this afternoon with a further six outstanding New Zealanders recognised for their service to our communities.
Mr Bryan Mogridge received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to children’s health, governance and philanthropy and Mr Doug Alderslade received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the racing industry.
Four recipients received their MNZM for services to education, Tongan language education, conservation and education, and ADHD support and philanthropy.
This morning, seven further New Zealanders were honoured at Government House Auckland. Dame Elizabeth Rata received her insignia as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education, recognising an academic career spanning five decades, both in New Zealand and internationally.
Dr James Farmer, KC, received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the law. Dr Farmer’s legal career has included leading New Zealand’s largest-ever civil case and undertaking negotiations with the Government that saved Air New Zealand from insolvency.
Two recipients received their ONZM, two received their MNZM, and one received their KSM – for services to cricket and basketball, drug testing and forensic toxicology, health and harness racing, swimming, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and the community.
Seven further recipients of New Zealand Royal Honours were acknowledged this afternoon at Government House Auckland.
Dr Reuben Collier received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and education. Dr Collier is a nationally recognised custodian of Māori war commemoration, particularly through his work as a member of the Ngarimu VC and 28th Māori Battalion Memorial Fund Board and Deputy Chair of the 28th Māori Battalion B Company History Trust.
Two recipients received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Ms Karleen Everitt for services to Māori and business, and Mr Trevor Janes for services to business and public sector governance.
Other outstanding New Zealanders were recognised for their contributions to midwifery, the dairy industry, the business events sector, and the community.
This morning, seven outstanding New Zealanders were honoured at Government House Auckland for their exceptional service, achievements, and dedication to others.
Sir David Ellis was knighted for services to the thoroughbred industry and philanthropy. Sir David was inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in 2025 and is recognised as one of the most influential figures in New Zealand thoroughbred racing, breeding, and rural enterprise.
Two recipients received their ONZM, three recipients received their MNZM, and one more was awarded their KSM for services across a range of fields, including nursing and women’s health, breastfeeding medicine, rugby league, refugees and migrants, and hockey
Investiture ceremonies began at Government House Auckland this afternoon with six recipients honoured across a range of fields.
The Honourable Paul Davison, KC, received the insignia of a Companion of the King’s Service Order for services to public service and the law.
Two recipients received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Mr Evan Davies for services to business and governance and Mr Russell Lowe for services to horticulture and the kiwifruit industry
Two recipients received the insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and one received the King’s Service Medal, in areas spanning accountancy education, the Niuean community, and the wider community.
Congratulations to all recipients and their whānau.
Investitures at Government House Wellington concluded this morning, with twelve more recipients being honoured across a range of fields.
Dame Susan Hassall was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education. Dame Susan served as Headmaster of Hamilton Boys’ High School from 1999 until 2024 and was appointed Chancellor of the University of Waikato in 2025.
Three recipients received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Mr Barry Soper for services to journalism, Dr Leslie Van Gelder for services to conservation and dark sky sanctuaries, and Mr Rodney Wong for services to business and the community.
Five recipients were honoured with their MNZM for services to people with disabilities and wheelchair rugby, business, philanthropy, sport, Māori health, conservation, governance, seniors, and Māori.
Three more recipients received the King’s Service Medal for services to sport, and the community.
Congratulations to this morning’s recipients, and to all who been honoured throughout the week. It has been a privilege to hear your stories and we thank you for your steadfast commitment to your communities and our country.
Investiture ceremonies continued at Government House Wellington this morning, honouring eleven more recipients who have demonstrated excellence, compassion, and commitment in their respective fields.
Sir Paul Baker was knighted for services to health. Sir Paul is New Zealand’s leading authority on airway management, and has shaped clinical practice nationally and internationally.
Two recipients received honours for their contribution to the New Zealand Police: Inspector Ross Grantham received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and Inspector Nu Leifi received the insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Other outstanding New Zealanders were recognised for their contributions to the textile industry, wastewater engineering, netball and life saving, Scottish country dancing, travel health, and community welfare.
Warmest congratulations to all recipients and their whānau.
At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony at Government House Wellington, nine New Zealanders were recognised for their outstanding service and achievements.
Dr Ron Beatson and Dr Keith Woodford received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit – Dr Beatson for services to horticulture, and Dr Woodford for services to agriculture and agribusiness.
Four recipients received their MNZM: Ms Irihapeti Bullmore for services to seniors’ health, particularly Māori; Mr Mervyn English for services to governance and the community; Ms Alison McDonald for services to translation and interpretation; and Mr Warwick Wilshier for services to the road freight industry.
Ms Becs Amundsen, Ms Hanny Naus, and Ms Norma Roberts were awarded the King’s Service Medal for their contributions to local government, the arts and community; seniors and rainbow communities; and early childhood education, respectively.
Congratulations to all of this afternoon’s recipients and their whānau.
At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, twelve more recipients were acknowledged for their exceptional service and achievement.
Ms Robyn Hunt, ONZM, received the insignia of a companion of the King’s Service Order for services to people with disabilities and the arts. Three recipients received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Dr Michael Johnstone for services to education; Mr Earle Kirton for services to rugby; and Dr Fiona Pardington for services to photography.
Other outstanding New Zealanders were recognised for their contributions to documentary filmmaking, wildlife conservation and Search and Rescue, education, art, and the community.
Congratulations to all of this afternoon’s recipients and their whānau.
The New Zealand Honours system recognises those whose actions, leadership and service have had a lasting impact on our communities and country.
This morning, Government House Wellington hosted eleven more outstanding New Zealanders who were recognised in areas including writing and publishing, the construction industry, Māori science and conservation, outdoor recreation, the New Zealand Defence Force, swimming, music education, Parliament, and Coastguard and Search and Rescue.
Professor Emeritus Sir James Chapman was knighted for services to literacy education. Sir James has made significant contributions to literacy teaching and learning in New Zealand, particularly in learning disabilities and dyslexia research.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Rob Allen received the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration for services to the New Zealand Defence Force. During his secondment to the Vanuatu Mobile Force, WO2 Allen led responses to several incidents including the 2024 Vanuatu earthquake, helping save lives.
Every New Zealand Honours recipient has been nominated by someone who believed their contribution deserves to be recognised and celebrated.
At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, twelve more recipients were acknowledged for their dedication and generosity of service.
Two recipients received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Mr Jack Hodder, KC, for services to the law, and Mr Geoffrey Maber for services to agribusiness.
Four recipients received their MNZM, and six more were awarded their KSM for services to a wide range of areas, including gastroenterology, youth, Māori, writing and education, swimming, sport, nursing, rail heritage and wildlife conservation.
This morning, twelve more individuals were honoured at Government House Wellington for their exceptional service, achievement, and dedication to others.
Four recipients received honours for their commitment to Fire and Emergency New Zealand; Leota Pauga Esitone Pauga and Ms Michele Poole received the insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and Mr Ian Blunt and Mr Ted Ford received the King’s Service Medal.
Other recipients were recognised for their contributions to the agricultural industry, education, Māori language, music, health, ethnic communities, and local government. Thank you all for your lasting contribution to our communities
Investitures began at Government House Wellington this afternoon with twelve recipients honoured in a range of fields.
Five recipients received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Mr Scott O’Donnell for services to business, Mr Baye Riddell for services to Māori clay art, Mrs Archna Tandon for services to ethnic communities and women, Mr Hamish Taverner for services to people with learning disabilities, and Mrs Sharon Williamson for services to hockey.
Three recipients received their MNZM, and three more were awarded their KSM in areas of education, music, Māori mental health and addiction services, the Niuean community, and rural communities.
Professor Alan Hemmings was awarded the New Zealand Antarctic Medal for services to Antarctic law and environmental protection. Professor Hemmings has contributed more than 40 years to the areas of Antarctic science, policy, and conservation.
For 50 years, Age Concern Wellington Region has helped older people across the region stay connected, maintain their independence, and continue living full, engaged lives.
Yesterday afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted a high tea at Government House to celebrate this milestone – joined by Age Concern Wellington Region staff, volunteers, supporters, and a very special group of centenarian guests.
Reflecting on the importance of companionship and belonging, the Governor-General shared these words from American writer Parker Palmer: "The human soul doesn’t want to be advised or fixed or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed – to be seen, heard and companioned exactly as it is."
The afternoon also celebrated A Century of Stories – Age Concern Wellington Region’s project recording the voices, memories, and wisdom of people aged 100 and over, and sharing them with future generations.
Congratulations to everyone who has been part of Age Concern Wellington Region’s first 50 years.
On Tuesday night Their Excellencies hosted the NZ Kindergartens Centenary Reception at Government House. NZK is a charitable organisation grounded in Friedrich Fröbel’s educational philosophy, representing 19 Kindergarten Associations across Aotearoa.
In her speech, Dame Cindy remarked: “The seeds planted by those visionary kindergarten founders have flourished here, growing generations of capable, curious learners. I am sure every one of them holds heartfelt recollections of happy times at their local kindy, with new memories created in your centres every day.”
