For this afternoon’s investiture, 11 further recipients were honoured for their contributions to Aotearoa New Zealand. Among them was Hayden Wano, who received a QSO for services to Māori health. Mr Wano is CEO of Tui Ora, a Kaupapa Māori health and social service provider. Since 1998, Tui Ora has grown to provide over 35 services and programmes in the Taranaki area.
Since he became Rotorua Boys’ High School principal in 1991, Mr Chris Grinter has worked in partnership with Ngāti Whakaue to create a bi-lingual teaching programme, opened a Māori education complex, and opened a boarding hostel for students with challenging backgrounds. Today, Mr Grinter received an MNZM for services to education and Māori.
Rosemary Ensor was awarded a QSM for services to the community. Mrs Ensor has been widely involved in organisations across Hanmer Springs, including the Plunket Group, Pony Club, Community Board and the Hanmer Springs Forest Camp Trust. Congratulations to all this afternoon’s recipients.
Wellington philanthropist Sir Mark Dunajtschik was among 11 recipients honoured at Government House today. Sir Mark received a knighthood for his contributions to the Wellington community, including a substantial donation to help build the newly-opened Wellington Children’s Hospital, Te Wao Nui.
John Darby received an ONZM for services to wildlife conservation and science. Mr Darby contributed widely to the conservation needs of the Hoiho (Yellow-Eyed Penguin), and helped negotiate the purchase of their largest breeding area in the South Island. Congratulations to this morning’s recipients.
This afternoon 12 recipients further recipients were welcomed to Government House, including record-breaking Black Caps batsman Luteru Ross Taylor. Mr Taylor played 450 international cricket matches from 2006-2022, and has been active in promoting Pasifika and Māori cricket.
Janine Morrell-Gunn received an ONZM for services to children’s television and the community. She co-founded WhitebaitMedia, which has produced iconic New Zealand television including ‘The Son of a Gunn Show’ and ‘What Now’.
Kevin Watkins was recognised with a QSM for services to the community. He has built floats for the Hastings Blossom Parade and Christmas Parade since 1957, and created the Chinese Lantern Festival. Congratulations to all this afternoon’s recipients.
This morning’s investiture honoured 11 further recipients, including three-time Rugby World Cup winning Black Ferns captain, Dame Farah Palmer. Dame Farah was honoured for her outstanding contributions to rugby, both on the field and in governance. She is also a Professor at Massey University, and was recently appointed as Pou Ākonga Executive Director – Māori Student Success.
BJ Clark was recognised with an ONZM for his contributions to the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association. Mr Clark was involved with the RNZRSA for 30 years, and has recently concluded an eight-year term as President.
You can find more images from this morning's ceremony here.
Wellington investiture ceremonies continued this afternoon at Government House, with Dame Cindy presenting insignia to 11 further recipients of Royal New Zealand Honours. Mr Paul Morgan was acknowledged for the instrumental role he has played in supporting iwi to build social and economic wellbeing. Father Paulo Filoialii was also acknowledged for his services to the Pacific community through his leadership roles in both the Catholic Church and Etu Pasifika. In 1990, Father Filoialii became the first Pacific Priest to be ordained in Rome.
The Wellington New Year 2023 investitures began this morning, with eleven recipients honoured for their outstanding contributions to New Zealand. Dame Jan Wright was recognised for her services to the State and the environment. Dame Jan was Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment for ten years, and has delivered major reports on climate change.
Outstanding services to the environment, drug harm reduction, health, the State, the community, and social justice were acknowledged.
Jimmy Gordon, QSM for services to the community, is making and gifting poppy bowls to every Returned and Services Association and marae in New Zealand.
This morning, on the grounds of Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy planted a young totara as part of He Rā Rākau Tītapu – marking the coronation of King Charles III. This programme – launched in partnership between Trees that Count and the Department of Conservation – will ultimately result in 100,000 native trees being planted across New Zealand, and aligns with His Majesty's own commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
You can find more images here and Dame Cindy's speech from the event here.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies have concluded their time in London, where they were part of the New Zealand delegation attending the coronation of HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey. Their time in the UK began with a reception on the HMS Diamond with the First Sea Lord, who is the military head of the Naval Service in the United Kingdom.
The following day included a visit to Brookwood Military Cemetery – the final resting place of 230 New Zealanders who died in the First and Second World Wars. Brookwood Military Cemetery is the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the United Kingdom, and is part of one of the largest cemeteries in Europe.
Photo credit - Sergeant Vanessa Parker, NZDF
They also met the New Zealand Defence Force contingent as they prepared to march in the Coronation procession alongside almost 7000 others, 600 being from Commonwealth Defence Forces. Later, Their Excellencies attended a welcome for the delegation representing Aotearoa at the coronation, hosted at the High Commission for New Zealand.
Day three of the visit included engagements at Buckingham Palace, where King Charles and other senior royals welcomed Realm countries for a luncheon. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies also attended a reception for Small Island Developing States, which included representatives from many of New Zealand’s Pacific Island neighbours.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were then hosted for a dinner with their counterparts from Australia, HE General the Hon David Hurley, and Canada, HE the Rt Hon Mary Simon.
Saturday the 6th was the day of the Coronation, where Their Excellencies were joined by over 2000 representatives from around the world to witness this historic occasion. They were led into the Abbey by New Zealand flagbearer Sgt Hayden Smith, who had very recently been to Government House Auckland to receive his DSD for services to the New Zealand Defence Force. The visit concluded with Dame Cindy and Dr Davies in attendance at the Coronation concert.
'Every Anzac Day, we are reminded of the extraordinary courage and selflessness shown by all those who have served their fellow New Zealanders – both at home and abroad. And as we pay our respects this morning, let us also reaffirm our commitment to a future where we may all live freely, in dignity and peace.'
This was the conclusion of the address given by the Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann, Administrator of the Government, at this morning’s Anzac Day Dawn Service. After the moving service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, Dame Helen met with some veterans who were part of the thousands gathered in Te Whanganui-a-Tara to pay their respects.
Later on in the morning morning, Dame Helen attended the Anzac Day National Commemoration at Pukeahu. Distinguished guests and members of the public lay wreaths and poppies at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, while the New Zealand Youth Choir sang beautifully throughout the service.
You can find more images from the Dawn Service here and the National Commemoration here. And you can find Dame Helen's address at Dawn here and at the National Commemoration here.
Today Dame Helen Winkelmann, Chief Justice and Administrator of the Government received the credentials of the following members of the Diplomatic Corps: HE Mr Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus; HE Mrs Dorothy Hyuha, High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda; HE Mr Beka Dvali, Ambassador of Georgia; HE Mr Kemal Muftic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and HE Dr Elias Munshya, High Commissioner for the Republic of Zambia.
Dame Helen presented insignia to eight further Royal Honours recipients this afternoon at Government House Auckland. These outstanding New Zealanders were recognised for their contributions across the fields of plant and food research, powerlifting, the performing arts, Pacific arts and education, community and heritage preservation, defense, and Antarctic heritage preservation. This afternoon's ceremony concluded investitures for the week. Very warmest congratulations to all recipients.
You can see more images from this afternoon's ceremony here.
Olympic and world champion rower Mr Eric Murray was among those acknowledged by Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann at this morning's investiture ceremony at Government House Auckland. Mr Murray, along with Hamish Bond, recorded 69 consecutive wins in the men's coxless pair, and won seven consecutive World Rowing Championship titles. Mr Roger Donaldson also received his insignia for his immense contribution to film – including directing two classics of New Zealand cinema: 'Sleeping Dogs' and 'Smash Palace'. He has since forged a hugely successful career in Hollywood. Dame Helen will also host this afternoon's ceremony as Administrator of the Government, while Dame Cindy is overseas.
This afternoon at Government House Auckland, Sir Anand presented insignia to eight further Royal Honours recipients. Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to ophthalmology, as the first female Professor of Ophthalmology and the second female Professor in any surgical specialty in New Zealand – while Mr Sully Paea received the insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his immense work to improve the lives of Pacific youth in South Auckland. Sincere congratulations to all of today's recipients.
Among those acknowledged at this morning's investiture ceremony in Auckland was the Honourable Mititaiagimene Vivian, who served as Premier of Niue from 1992 to 1993 and again from 2002 to 2008. During his terms, he oversaw Niue's response to Cyclone Heta and the construction of the Niue Foou Hospital. Other recipients were acknowledged for their outstanding achievements and service across social housing, public health, governance, palliative care, the arts, and education.
Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand presented insignia to seven further recipients of Royal Honours this afternoon at Government House Auckland. Dr Bruce Clarkson received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his outstanding academic career in the field of ecological restoration – while Mr George Flavell received the Queen's Service Medal, for services to Māori culture and heritage preservation, through his work to ensure the appropriate management of cultural sites and taonga. Warmest congratulations to all of today's recipients.
You can find more images from this afternoon's ceremony here.
During this morning's investiture ceremony at Government House Auckland, recipients were acknowledged for their achievements and service across a range of disciplines and causes – from hospitality and education, to literature and equestrian. Among those who received their insignia was Ms Michèle A'Court, one of the country's most highly-acclaimed comedians, who has long been blazing a trail for women in the entertainment industry. Mr Michael Barnett was also acknowledged for his significant contributions to New Zealand's business community, including through helping disadvantaged youth gain employment.
Investiture ceremonies continued this afternoon at Government House Auckland, hosted by Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand. Emeritus Professor David Simmons received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his pioneering work on sustainable tourism across both tertiary institutions and government – while Ms Betty-Anne Monga received the insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to music, including as part of the legendary poly-funk group, Ardijah. Many congratulations to all of today's recipients.
You can find more images from this afternoon's ceremony here.
This morning at Government House Auckland, Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand hosted the first of this week's very special investiture ceremonies. Among those receiving their insignia was Professor Emerita Jennie Connor, for her lifetime of work advocating for research-based alcohol policy, and Mr Campbell Smith, for his immense contributions to the New Zealand music industry. Sir Anand, who served as Governor-General of New Zealand from 2006 to 2011, will continue to host investiture ceremonies in Auckland this week while Dame Cindy is overseas.
Yesterday, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies joined St Kentigern pre-schoolers in officially opening their stunning new classroom block. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies then met the children in their classrooms, which back onto native bush, and face inwards to a garden and play area modelled on a Celtic Cross design. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were met on their arrival by St Kentigern’s impressive pipe band, and were welcomed to the site by a powhiri from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
Last night Dame Cindy and Dr Davies enjoyed meeting members of Auckland’s Consular Corps at Peter Gordon’s renowned restaurant Homeland. Dame Cindy acknowledged the consuls’ service on behalf of the nations they represent, as well as their efforts to keep international lines of communication open, particularly when COVID 19 put distance between families and nations.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were wrapped in a traditional Cook Islands quilt presented by Keu Mataroa, the Dean of the Consular Corps.
Last night at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a dinner for attendees of the 2023 Asia Pacific Judicial Colloquium. The Colloquium provides an opportunity for the Chief Justices and final appellate court judges of Australia, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, and New Zealand to come together and discuss issues of common interest. The Colloquium is hosted on a rotational basis by each of the attending nations, with New Zealand last hosting in February 2010. The theme of this year’s colloquium is: ‘”Let justice be done [as] the heavens fall”: Judging in times of disruption’.
You can read Dame Cindy's speech here, and find more photos from the event here.
Last night Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a concert by the young string players from Arohanui Strings. The Arohanui Strings programme is modelled on the Sistema system of musical education in Venezuela, whereby children who normally would not have access to musical instruments or musical tuition are provided with both, free of charge.
The concert proved the great worth of the programme, with inspirational performances by the orchestra and talented soloists.
At the conclusion of the concert, Dame Cindy invited the audience to join her in singing Pokarekare Ana, accompanied by the orchestra.
Following her welcome at Ōtākou, Dame Cindy last night attended a dinner at the University of Otago's Staff Club, celebrating 50 years of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Study. The Dunedin Study, as it's more commonly known, has been widely described as the broadest and most in-depth study of human beings ever conducted. Led by Professor Richie Poulton at the University of Otago, this world-leading piece of work continues to provide answers to the profound questions of nature versus nurture, and why we ultimately become who we are. You can find out more about the study, its extraordinary findings and real-world impacts, here.
You can find more images from the event here, and Dame Cindy's speech here.
Yesterday afternoon, at the beautiful Ōtākou marae, Dame Cindy was officially welcomed into the Otago region for the first time as Governor-General. Situation on the eastern side of the Otago Peninsula, Ōtākou was significantly one of the places where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by iwi chiefs in 1840. During her welcome, Dame Cindy heard about the important role that the marae plays in the wider community, and noted in her speech: 'I fully appreciate and support the vision of Kāi Tahu to foster economic, social, and cultural wellbeing – and to focus on education as a tool to unlock potential and grow the leaders of tomorrow.'
You can see more images from the welcome here, and read Dame Cindy's speech here.
In Christchurch, Dr Davies presented LT CDR Grant Boore, Commanding Officer of the HMNZS Pegasus, with the Signal Flags that once flew from Dr Davies' ship 'Cowrie'. Signal flags help vessels communicate with other ships also sailing internationally – these ones were used when Dr Davies sailed from the UK to the Falkland Islands. After travelling from the other side of the world, they have a new home at the Royal New Zealand Navy's Ōtautahi base. While at HMNZS Pegasus, Dr Davies got to see some items from our Naval history on display, including a portrait of former Governor-General and Admiral of the Fleet, Lord Jellicoe.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were Lyttelton Harbour been cheering on Amokura and the New Zealand SailGP Team, who were competing in the first-ever New Zealand leg of SailGP. Before the race, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies met with the team and had a tour of the SailGP base, seeing how these wind powered F50 Catamarans are able to reach around 100km. The New Zealand team had an amazing first day of racing, and ultimately came second in the final when Canada crossed the line first.
The New Zealand team's charity partnership is with Live Ocean - an organisation founded by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke which backs science, innovation and outreach to help restore our oceans.
This evening at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a reception celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Theatre Artists' Charitable Trust. TACT provides financial support to creative artists during the initial stages of play production and rehearsal at Circa Theatre – from actors and directors; to designers, technicians, stage managers, and publicists. Around 120 artists each year receive these invaluable grants. You can find out the various ways you can support Wellington's world-class Circa Theatre here.
You can find more images from the event here, and read Dame Cindy's speech here.
The new High Commissioner for Malaysia, and new Ambassadors for Norway and the Republic of Kosovo presented their credentials to Dame Cindy on a fine Wellington morning today. HE Mrs Mazita Marzuki of Malaysia, HE Ms Anne Riise of Norway, and HE Mrs Jetmira Shala of Kosovo were greeted with a haka pōwhiri and guard of honour from the New Zealand Army, and musical support from the Royal New Zealand Air Force band. We wish the new diplomats all the very best in their roles.
“Whether on climate change and biodiversity loss, youth opportunity and education, global health, or economic co-operation, the Commonwealth can play an indispensable role in the most pressing issues of our time. Ours is an association not just of shared values, but of common purpose and joint action.” This is part of King Charles III’s first Commonwealth Day message as Head of the Commonwealth, which was read by Dame Cindy at a reception at Parliament this evening.
The event also featured an excerpt of Rangitoto College student Sawooly Li’s winning entry in the 2022 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition. Sawooly beat 26,322 others from across the Commonwealth to claim the top prize.
The 2023 celebrations also mark 10 years since Aotearoa New Zealand and over 50 other nations signed the Commonwealth Charter – a pledge of values and aspirations which unite the Commonwealth.
This afternoon at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a very special investiture ceremony to present the insignia of the New Zealand Bravery Decoration to Mr Sam Jones and Mr Callum Mill.
Both Mr Jones and Mr Mill were involved in the rescue operations following the eruption on Whakaari/White Island on 9th December 2019, and each exhibited great presence of mind and acts of extraordinary courage in the service of their fellow New Zealanders. ‘He toa taumata rau – bravery has many resting places’.
Dame Cindy chose to celebrate International Women's Day by helping to launch an innovative new health initiative in Porirua – a Hapu Māmā Hub for pregnant women and babies, operated in a partnership between Ngāti Toa and the National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa – Te Tātai Hauora o Hine. Programmes of care will be informed by research findings with the goal of improving health outcomes for Māori and Pasifika women and their babies. After being welcomed at a pōwhiri at Takapūwāhia Marae, Dame Cindy visited the Hub for the blessing of the building, Te Puna Wairua, and a tour of its facilities.
Last night at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a reception to acknowledge the powerful work of Community Foundations of New Zealand – the national body which supports and unites 17 regionally based Community Foundations throughout Aotearoa. Over the past five years, over $50 million has been invested in New Zealand communities through these Foundations – all thanks to the generous giving of New Zealanders across the country. You can find out more about the work of Community Foundations of New Zealand, including how you can become involved, here.
You can find more images from the event here, and Dame Cindy's speech here.
