Each year, Matariki offers a special opportunity to open Government House and bring people together in the spirit of reflection, connection, and renewal.
With an icy Wellington southerly howling outside, Government House was filled with the warmth of music, kōrero, kai, and manaakitanga today, as the Governor-General hosted members of the public for her annual Matariki gathering.
The afternoon began with a performance by the United Auckland Gospel Choir, before guests moved through the rooms of Government House – each themed around one of the stars of Matariki. Along the way, they had opportunities to reflect, connect, learn, and look to the year ahead. Guests also took home kai from the hāngī, prepared under the guidance of Chef Joe McLeod.
Mānawatia a Matariki – and wishing all New Zealanders a safe and peaceful time with whānau, friends, and loved ones, and a new year filled with happiness and hope.
The Homosexual Law Reform Act of 1986 marked a turning point in New Zealand’s history. It followed years of courage, advocacy, and struggle by those who fought for dignity, safety, and equal treatment under the law. Yesterday afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted an event at Government House Wellington to celebrate the Act’s 40th anniversary.
Her Excellency acknowledged the significance of the Act, which received Royal assent from her predecessor as Governor-General, Sir Paul Reeves, on 11 July 1986, and came into force on 8 August that year. In her speech to those gathered, Dame Cindy quoted Sir Paul: 'Our own dignity lies in creating dignity for others.'
The event included remarks from Dame Fran Wilde, who introduced the Bill to Parliament, and a rousing performance by The Glamaphones, Wellington’s rainbow community choir.
This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy received a call from Justine Daw, Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive of Royal Society Te Apārangi.
The Royal Society plays an important role in advancing research, scholarship, and the pursuit of knowledge across Aotearoa New Zealand. The call was also a meaningful opportunity for Dame Cindy, who served as Chief Executive of Royal Society Te Apārangi before becoming Governor-General, to acknowledge the Society’s continuing contribution to our national life.
This afternoon Dame Cindy welcomed three further new heads of mission to Government House in Wellington, receiving their credentials and marking the start of their mandates: HE Mr Benedikt Höskuldsson, Ambassador of Iceland; HE Mr Edward Pérez Reyes, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic; and Ambassador Jared Novelly of the United States of America.
Throughout the year, the Governor-General welcomes new foreign ambassadors and high commissioners to the country in a ceremony with a distinctively New Zealand character. Following a cultural welcome by members of the New Zealand Defence Force, heads of mission then move inside Government House to formally present their credentials (a letter from their head of state appointing them as diplomatic representative) to the Governor-General.
On this beautiful Wellington morning, Dame Cindy received the credentials for four new heads of mission, marking the start of their mandates: HE Mr Stanislav Krans, Ambassador of the Russian Federation; HE Mr Chung Byung-ha, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea; HE Mr Abu Bakar, High Commissioner of Malaysia; and HE Pedro Terra, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil.
On yet another wet and windy evening in Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a reception to acknowledge all those who have been instrumental in keeping our region safe throughout the recent severe weather events.
Guests included mayors from around the Wellington and Wairarapa region, council staff, emergency services personnel, iwi representatives and charitable organisations. Also attending were community members who selflessly put the safety of others above their own during April’s flooding.
The combined effort from these individuals and institutions has been tireless and remains ongoing. As Dame Cindy remarked in her speech, ‘We are a region of people that care deeply for our neighbours, and that is never more evident than when we are united in challenging times like these.’
On Saturday, Dame Cindy joined the Niuean community in Christchurch to mark the 125th anniversary of Niue being part of the realm of New Zealand.
This constitutional relationship has been the foundation of the strong friendship shared between Niue and New Zealand, but we are tied together by deeper bonds – through our whakapapa, our common goals as Pacific neighbours, and by the more than 30,000 Niuean’s who call New Zealand home.
In her speech, Dame Cindy reflected on the beautiful hospitality she received when visiting Niue in 2024, remarking that ‘I was struck by the strong sense that our people, culture and histories will continue to be intertwined for many years to come.’ You can read Dame Cindy's full speech here: 125th Anniversary Celebration of Niue Being Part of the Realm of New Zealand.
On Saturday afternoon, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended a plaque unveiling at the historic Christchurch Club. Club members planted a scarlet oak to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, in tribute to His Majesty’s lifelong commitment to environmental conservation and his deep appreciation for nature.
Her Excellency was pleased to be able to continue the long-standing tradition of Royal and vice-regal support for the Club. In her speech, Dame Cindy observed:
‘This tree, symbolising growth, unity and a strong connection to the land and its people, will serve as a living legacy of the coronation, as well as the unique and enduring relationship between the monarchy and New Zealand.’
This evening, Dame Cindy hosted the launch of the Te Korowai o Taonui Charitable Trust at Government House Auckland. The Trust is a new initiative which will support young people as they transition from the Rangatahi Court system. Te Korowai o Taonui’s methods and support will be tikanga based and tailored to fit the needs of each individual.
The Trust is championed by its co-chairs, Dame Carolyn Henwood and Dame Naida Glavish; two staunch advocates for community-led support and rehabilitation programmes for youth offenders.
In her speech, Dame Cindy expressed that our community leaders have a responsibility to guide our next generation towards better outcomes, declaring: ‘Our rangatahi are our leaders of tomorrow if they are given the opportunity to be so.’
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed the recipients of the Child Cancer Foundation’s Life Membership and Star Awards to Government House Auckland. These awards recognise individuals who go above and beyond in support of the Foundation’s mission, helping tamariki living with cancer and their whānau.
The Child Cancer Foundation’s Life Membership Awards this year honour Craig Maxwell, Jackie Walsh and Dr Stephen Laughton, as well as Amanda Cleland who received a Distinguished Service Award. Two Star tamariki, Holly and Zack, were celebrated for their kindness in sharing their stories to help other children and their families navigate their own cancer journeys.
Today at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy hosted a very special investiture ceremony for Sir Trevor Clarke who was knighted for his services to business and tourism. Sir Trevor has spent 60 years in the Cook Islands and held a variety of roles, including as owner of the Cook Islands Trading Company.
Sir Trevor’s knighthood was conferred by the Cook Islands who share in the British-based honours system, making Sir Trevor a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).
Congratulations, Sir Trevor, on this wonderful achievement.
Government House Wellington hummed with energy as Her Excellency hosted a diverse group of high school students from the Strengthening Democracy project. Around 70% of colleges in the Wellington area are taking part this project which educates young people about the democratic system and encourages participation.
Following a tour of Government House, the students met with Dame Cindy to learn directly about the role of the Governor-General.
Dame Cindy implored the students to take seriously the privilege and responsibility of voting in the next general election if they’re eligible:
‘Your voices and aspirations will ensure New Zealand’s democracy will continue to serve and reflect who we are, as we advance and mature as a nation.’
Last weekend, Dame Cindy presented 83 recipients with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Awards in a very special ceremony at Government House.
The Governor-General’s involvement in this ceremony has long been a tradition, with the first Kiwi recipients receiving their Gold Awards from then Governor-General Sir Bernard Fergusson at Government House in 1965. Eight young men and one young woman were presented with their awards on that occasion – showing just how popular the award has grown in the intervening years.
Dame Cindy noted in her speech how the late Prince Philip established the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to help young people ‘discover fresh interests and make new friends, and find satisfaction in giving service to others.’ This idea was perhaps captured best by our most revered explorer and humanitarian, Sir Edmund Hillary, for whom the award was renamed to honour in 2009.
Gold Award recipients must successfully complete several tasks to a high level in the areas of skill development, voluntary service, physical recreation and adventurous journey to achieve their award.
This afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted the Community Research Te Auaha Pito Mata Awards, celebrating the impact of emerging community researchers in Aotearoa New Zealand.
These awards recognise researchers who are in the first eight years of their career, and have dedicated themselves to work that uplifts communities, strengthens knowledge, and creates positive change.
Award recipients conducted a range of research from exploring the experiences of Māori workers and collective agreement clauses, to documenting the healing journeys of wāhine from gang whānau.
Dame Cindy emphasised the deep importance of research in capturing authentic community experiences, saying: 'Like you, I know that knowledge doesn’t just exist in institutions. It lives also within our communities, through our connections with each other, and within the collective wisdom of ages.' You can read Dame Cindy's full speech here: Te Auaha Pito Mata Awards 2026.
Congratulations to all award recipients and thank you for your commitment towards creating meaningful change through research.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies travelled to Australia last week to meet with the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC.
This is Dame Cindy’s first official visit to Australia as Governor-General and the first in-person meeting between the two Governors-General, reinforcing the enduring ties of friendship enjoyed between Australia and New Zealand.
Their Excellencies began their time in Canberra with a very special Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony in Canberra. Following the ceremony, Their Excellencies met with staff from the New Zealand High Commission in Australia before enjoying a tour of the Government House grounds to see the resident kangaroos.
The following day, Her Excellency was formally welcomed to Government House and attended a State Lunch. Here, Dame Cindy reflected on the deep bond shared between our two countries, forged and maintained through the closeness of our histories, values and people.
Dame Cindy quoted from the well-known whakataukī in her speech, saying: ‘‘He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.’ And here we find the essence and foundation of our relationship – not in treaties or institutions, important though they are, but in the friendships, marriages, families, communities, colleagues, and neighbours whose lives are woven and strengthened across the Tasman every day.’
During their time in Canberra, Their Excellencies laid a wreath in the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial and placed a poppy at the Roll of Honour in memory of all Australians and New Zealanders who have served together.
They also visited the Ngura Pulka – Epic Country exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia, a stunning showcase of First Nations art, and met with staff and toured the Australian National University John Curtin School of Medical Research.
To conclude an enriching visit to Canberra, Their Excellencies then enjoyed a cultural walking tour of Mulligans Flat Sanctuary with Ngunnawal Elder Richie Allan, gaining a deep understanding of the importance of the connection to Country.
The following day, Their Excellencies travelled to Sydney to meet with Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC at Government House Sydney, before visiting Mudgin-Gal Women’s Place.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies deeply appreciated the warm hospitality and friendship extended to them during their visit; a staunch illustration of the lasting relationship between Australia and New Zealand.
To conclude a wonderful week of investiture ceremonies, eleven further outstanding New Zealanders received their Royal Honours insignia at Government House on this beautiful Wellington afternoon.
Mr Leith Comer, of Rotorua, received his CNZM for services to Māori, governance and education. As Chair of Ngāti Rangitihi, he led negotiations culminating in their Treaty Settlement and subsequently served as Chair of the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group.
Mrs Sandra Hazlehurst received an ONZM for services to local government. She was the first woman to be Mayor of Hastings District, and under her leadership, Hastings District Council has become the most awarded local authority in New Zealand this decade. Also receiving an ONZM for services to the arts and event management, Ms Suzanne Porter has been instrumental in establishing New Plymouth as a national and international destination.
This afternoon’s ceremony saw recipients receive their Honours insignia across a range of areas including insurance, Land Search and Rescue, railway heritage, and services to the Pacific community.
On this final morning of investiture ceremonies at Government House Wellington, eleven individuals were recognised for their significant contributions to New Zealand and our communities.
Professor Dame Helen Danesh-Meyer received the insignia of a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to ophthalmology. Dame Helen is an internationally recognised leader in the clinical science of interactions between the brain and the eye, and in 2023, received the College Medal – the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists’ highest award for outstanding service.
Mr Stewart Germann was awarded an ONZM for services to franchise law as the only lawyer in New Zealand qualified as a Certified Franchise Executive. Ms Val Smith ONZM is New Zealand’s most internationally capped outdoor bowls athlete, playing 667 games for our country.
Congratulations to all this morning’s recipients, your friends and families.
A further eleven inspirational individuals were honoured at Government House Wellington this afternoon, including Dame Dorothy Spotswood in recognition of more than 50 years of services to philanthropy and charitable causes.
Ms Sue Elliott was awarded an ONZM for services to the arts and governance, and Ms Judith Hamilton received her ONZM for services to rowing, including leading Rowing New Zealand's to its most successful Olympics ever in Tokyo.
This afternoon’s ceremony saw five recipients each receive their MNZM in a range of areas including fashion, health, culture, education and business
This morning’s investiture ceremony saw ten extraordinary New Zealanders receive their Royal Honours insignia, including Rt Hon Sir Trevor Mallard who was knighted for his many years of service as a Member of Parliament and as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Also recognised was Dr Richard Wild ONZM for services to the veterinary sector, including as President of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, and for his longstanding commitment to improving animal welfare across New Zealand.
A number of individuals from across the country were honoured for their services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community. Mr Don Geddes received his MNZM, notably for his five decades of volunteering with Land Search and Rescue New Zealand. Mr Lloyd Clausen, Mr Paul Harris, Mr Patrick O'Rourke, Mr Don Scott, and Mr Paul Toms each received their KSM.
Nine New Zealand Royal Honours recipients were honoured at an investiture ceremony this afternoon in Wellington, including Mr Bill Nathan who was awarded his CNZM for services to Māori, notably his six decades co-leading the Ngāti Poneke Young Māori Club. Also acknowledged was Mr Keith Wiffin, who received his KSO insignia for services to survivors of abuse in care through his staunch commitment to advocacy and seeking redress.
Mrs Ruth Shaw received her KSM for services to conservation, as well as her international literary success. Mr Jonathan Usher also received his KSM for services to the community and entertainment, including as a professional magician who regularly supports charitable causes. Warmest congratulations to all recipients.
At Wednesday morning’s investiture ceremony, eight further recipients received their Royal Honours insignia for a range of outstanding achievements and service.
Professor Bev Lawton was recognised with a CNZM for her significant services to women’s health, and Ms Julie Hart received her ONZM for services to women and victims of family violence.
Also honoured was Senior Constable Grant Watts who was presented with his MNZM for services to the New Zealand Police and youth.
Ms Rachel Taulelei was recognised with a CNZM for her services to business, Māori and governance at this afternoon’s investiture ceremony at Government House. Also acknowledged with ONZM's were Mr Ian Gardiner for services to the communications industry and mountain safety, and Mr Neville Greenwood for services to the sheep industry.
Mr Ed Cooke and Mrs Juliet Cooke were each awarded a KSM in recognition of their many years of services to music in Greytown.
This afternoon’s ceremony saw five recipients receive their MNZM in a range of areas including rugby, human rights, mental health, youth and people with disabilities.
This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy received a farewell call from Her Excellency Ms Mazita Marzuki, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to New Zealand.
Ms Marzuki supported Dame Cindy's official visit to Malaysia in October 2023, and we wish Her Excellency all the very best for the future.
Investiture ceremonies continued this morning at Government House Wellington, with twelve more inspirational individuals receiving their insignia.
Professor Sir Graham Le Gros was knighted for his considerable service to medical science. The Reverend Dr Patricia Allan, one of the first women to be ordained in New Zealand was recognised with an ONZM for services to survivors of abuse.
Other recipients were honoured for a wide range of causes including services to conservation, education, the Coastguard, rowing and Pacific communities. Warmest congratulations to all of this morning’s recipients.
Twelve remarkable New Zealanders were honoured at an investiture ceremony this afternoon in Wellington, including Sir Chris Parkin who was knighted for services to philanthropy and the arts.
Also acknowledged was Mr Donald Trott who received his CNZM in acknowledgement of his extensive services to opera. Former Black Cap Mr Martin Guptill received his MNZM for services to cricket and Professor Rod MacLeod and Mr Iain Potter each received their ONZM for services to palliative care, and services to sport and health respectively.
Commodore Andrew Brown received his New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration for his leadership during New Zealand’s response to the grounding and sinking of HMNZS MANAWANUI.
Investiture ceremonies began in Wellington this week, with Dame Cindy presenting three New Zealand Bravery Medals in a very moving ceremony. These awards are presented to recipients deemed to have displayed exceptional bravery in moments of extreme danger to preserve the lives of others.
In her speech, Her Excellency reflected on these acts of courage, saying: ‘None of us can ever know for sure how we would respond in situations of such extreme danger. Our communities are blessed to have those who step forward and intervene in times of greatest need.’
This morning at Government House, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies enjoyed a very special performance in celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Thailand.
The performers were accompanied to Government House by His Excellency, Mr Mongkol Visitstump, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand and his wife Mrs Dang Thi Thu Ha who presented Dame Cindy with a beautiful gift to mark this occasion.
Celebrations will continue on Saturday with the Thai Festival: Sawasdee New Zealand, 70 Years of Friendship open to the public at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington, hosted by the Royal Thai Embassy.
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy hosted a ceremony for graduates of New Zealand Olympic Committee Wāhine Toa Leadership Programme.
The programme was launched in 2017 to support women moving from competitive sports into leadership positions. Participants are wāhine who have participated in Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth Games and have a strong commitment to advocating for women and girls in sport. The programme aims to equip participants with leadership skills through a range of practical activities such as mentoring, residential workshops, and hearing from guest speakers.
As patron of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, Dame Cindy enjoyed meeting these inspirational wāhine and their families, and hearing about their leadership commitments and aspirations for the future.
On Thursday night at Government House Auckland, Their Excellencies hosted a very special dinner to mark the 50th anniversary of the World Wide Fund for Nature New Zealand (WWF-New Zealand).
WWF-New Zealand is a leading environmental NGO which seeks to support science-based, pragmatic solutions to ensure a sustainable future for New Zealanders and our whenua. The organisation collaborates across iwi, government, and industry to deliver practical environmental outcomes, and advocates for effective conservation policy.
This event was an opportunity to reflect on the indelible impact WWF has had on New Zealand’s environment over the past 50 years, and to acknowledge the contribution of key figures across that time.
Ko au ko te taiao, ko te taiao ko au. I am the environment and the environment is me.
The Governor-General, Her Excellency Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO, travelled to Türkiye to represent the people of New Zealand at this year’s Anzac Day commemorations.
Upon her arrival in Istanbul, Dame Cindy was honoured to meet with Bartholomew I of Constantinople, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
Her Excellency then travelled Ankara to meet His Excellency Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye. Dame Cindy thanked His Excellency the President for Türkiye’s ongoing support and generous hospitality for the annual Anzac Day commemorations. Their bilateral meeting reaffirmed the strong bonds between our two nations and the shared commitment to enhance those ties.
While in Ankara, Her Excellency also met with His Excellency Mr Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies then travelled to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where they had the honour of touring some of the significant battlefields and cemeteries. Their Excellencies were guided by Dr Andrew MacDonald, Official Historian of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association, paying their respects at Ari Burnu, Anzac Cove, Quinn’s Post, and Chunuk Bair.
In the company of the Gallipoli Historic Sites Directorate and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Her Excellency also planted a pōhutukawa tree – symbolising remembrance and the shared history of New Zealand and Türkiye.
On 24 April, Their Excellencies attended the Turkish International Service, the French National Service, and the Commonwealth and Ireland Service in Gallipoli.
The following day, Anzac Day, Dame Cindy attended the Anzac Day Dawn Service and the New Zealand National Service in Gallipoli. New Zealand and Australian Defence Force personnel conducted the moving services with utmost mana and solemnity, in honour of all those who have served both our countries with such courage, in the name of peace and freedom.
As Her Excellency remarked in her address for the National Service: 'On this day, we gather together, in bonds of friendship and remembrance, to honour those who served our countries so courageously – and those families who bore the immense burden of their loss. Such service and sacrifice continue to be felt, and remind us of the devastating, intergenerational consequences of war.'
'More than a century on from Gallipoli, the legacy of Anzac continues to evolve. That legacy challenges us to reflect not only on the sacrifice of those who served, but also on the responsibilities we carry in our own time: to be a nation that remembers, and that strives for understanding, compassion and peace.'
This morning, as dawn rose over Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington, the Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann, Administrator of the Government, addressed those gathered at our national place of remembrance. Following the service, Dame Helen enjoyed the opportunity to meet with veterans and NZDF personnel.
Later this morning, Dame Helen attended the Anzac Day National Commemoration. Both of this year's Anzac Day services at Pukeahu carried special poignancy, with the bells of the Carillon ringing out across the park for the first time in six years.
Dame Helen reflected on the meaning of this sacred day in her address: 'On this Anzac Day, as we gather before the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, we reflect on all those who have served across generations. May we honour their memory, uphold their legacy, and commit ourselves to the peace they have sought.'
The Governor-General, Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, is currently in Gallipoli, where she will represent the people of New Zealand at this year's Anzac Day commemorations.
Matariki is a time to gather and remember those we have lost, show gratitude for the present, and look towards the future. To celebrate Matariki this year, Government House Wellington will be hosting a very special themed event on Thursday 9 July 2026. Members of the public are invited to register for the ballot to be in with a chance to attend.
Guests will be hosted by the Governor-General and experience the manaakitanga of the house, enjoy hāngī prepared on site, and special performances.
The event is free to attend, with numbers strictly limited. The ballot is open to guests 18 and older, unless accompanied by an adult.
The ballot opens today, and closes Friday 15 May at 4pm. Successful entrants will be notified via email during the week of Monday 18 May.
