This morning Dame Patsy received the credentials of new diplomatic envoys to New Zealand: HE Mr Chann Rotana, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia; HE Ms Satu Mattila-Budich, Ambassador of the Republic of Finland; HE Mr Merzak Belhimeur, Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria; HE Ms Dorcas Makgato, High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana; and HE Ms Pernille Dahler Kardel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a dinner this evening to thank some of the many people who have contributed to the new Wellington Children’s Hospital, which is nearing its final stages of completion.
The stories of the guests attending showed what a fantastic community effort the construction of the new hospital has been. Bill Day, Chair of the Wellington Hospitals Foundation, took the time to thank the many people who had contributed to the new building Among them was Nicolas Volpicelli-Muollo, the Scots College student who successfully fundraised over $50 000 to buy smart TVs to go in the new rooms, and Sue Burnett-Grimwood from Busy Bees Quilters, whose team gift treasured blankets to neonatal babies. Wellington philanthropists Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood also attended this evening; the pair generously donated $50 million towards the construction of the building.
The new hospital, named Te Wao Nui, will care for an estimated 87 000 children each year. It will feature a Weta Workshop-designed mural of a tree of life.
On Saturday Dame Patsy travelled to Whangara to present Professor Sir Derek Lardelli with the insignia for his knighthood. The powhiri featured spectacular kapa haka and waiata by hundreds of people, some of whom had travelled from around New Zealand to attend the ceremony. Sir Derek was honoured for his outstanding achievements as a tā moko artist, visual artist, kapa haka performer, orator, composer, graphic designer, researcher, cultural consultant and educationalist. Following the ceremony, Dame Patsy opened an exhibition of artworks in Whitireia, the wharenui at Whangara.
Government House was lit up for the return of Matairangi Mahi Toi Artist in Residence Troy Kingi with a preview of his new album "Black Sea, Golden Ladder'.
Created during his residency at Government House, the album is a series of songs about the experiences we all share - birth, love, work, growing old and death.
Number five in Troy's 10-10-10 project of 10 albums in 10 genres in 10 years, 'Black Sea, Golden Ladder' heads off in a folky direction, with collaborator Delaney Davidson providing a touch of country. Special guest choir Ka Hao came onstage at the end, adding a beautiful vocal backdrop for the finale.
Thank you Troy, Delaney and friends for a great show. The album drops at the beginning of June.
Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David attended celebrations to mark 25 years of tenancy of the Old Government Buildings by Victoria University of Wellington's Law Faculty. Dame Patsy spoke to an audience of eminent alumni, current staff and students, reflecting on her own experiences as a student and lecturer there, developments in New Zealand law over the last 25 years, and her thoughts on future developments.
Dame Patsy hosted a reception to mark Whānau Āwhina Plunket's 114th birthday and International Nurses Day. Dame Patsy helped unveil a portrait of Plunket's wahine toa Mere Harper and Ria Tikini, two midwives who worked closely with Dr Truby-King and were instrumental in the foundation of Plunket. Among the guests were David Ellison and Ros Ellison, the son and grandaughter of the very first Whānau Āwhina Plunket baby Thomas Rangiwahia Mutu Ellison.
Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted Trustees and supporters of Te Papa Foundation for a tour of selected rooms at Government House, focussing on the art, furniture and interior design elements.
Te Papa Foundation was established to support Te Papa's kaupapa as New Zealand's premier cultural institution. Donors to the Foundation have enabled Te Papa to add new features, extend its outreach to schools, and purchase new works.
Friday afternoon closed the Wellington New Year 2021 investiture ceremonies, with 14 recipients receiving their honours. Celebrated author Elizabeth Knox received a CNZM for services to literature and playwright Victor Roger was awarded an ONZM.
Superintendent John Price also received an ONZM for service to New Zealand Police and the community. Superintendent Price led Canterbury Police response to the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, the 2017 Port Hills fire. He was also Forward Commander for the 2019 mosque shooting response and was Operation Commander during the Christchurch earthquakes.
Professor Dame Cindy Kiro was honoured for services to child wellbeing and education at this morning’s investiture ceremony. Dame Cindy was Children’s Commissioner and University of Auckland’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Māori) before becoming the first female Maori Chief Executive of the Royal Society Te Apārangi.
Leading epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker, a familiar face following his work as part of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Technical Advisory Group, received the insignia of an MNZM.
13 recipients were honoured at this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, including Dame Karen Poutasi, who has been Director General for the Ministry of Health (1995-2006) and Chief Executive of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (2006-2020).
Mr Dickson and Mrs Jillian Jardine both received MNZMs for services to philanthropy and conservation. The Queenstown couple gifted their four-hectare Station property in the Remarkables to Otago University so the area could be used for research. They also gifted a further nine hectares of land to the QEII Trust to be held in perpetuity for conservation.
This morning's investiture ceremony saw 14 people receive the insignia of their honour including former Speaker of the House of Representatives The Rt Hon Sir David Carter and All Black Conrad Smith.
At this afternoon's investiture ceremony, 13 honours recipients were recognised for their outstanding achievements and contributions. They included infectious diseases researcher Professor Stephen Chambers, CNZM; prominent theatre director and educator Murray Lynch, ONZM; and publisher Roger Steele, ONZM.
Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a dinner at Government House for Sir Mason Durie, ONZ, who received New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand for his contribution to Maori health initiatives, research, governance, academia and education.
This afternoon began the Wellington investiture ceremonies honouring the New Year 2021 New Zealand Honours recipients. Among those receiving insignia today were environmentalist Sam Judd, who founded Sustainable Coastlines and actor/producer Peter Elliott.
Sir Mason Durie was also welcomed among the select group of 20 living New Zealanders who hold New Zealand’s highest honour, the Order of New Zealand. Sir Mason is an eminent academic who has contributed enormously to Māori health in New Zealand.
This morning's National Service to mark Anzac Day at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park was attended by military representatives, members of the Diplomatic Corps and several thousand members of the public. Evocative songs from members of the National Secondary Schools Choir were supported by the Air Force Band, and Dame Patsy and Sir David were accompanied also by members of the National Youth Pipe Band on their arrival and departure.
One year ago, traditional ANZAC Day services were replaced by New Zealanders standing at Dawn outside their homes. This year Dame Patsy and Sir David were joined by Chief of Defence AM Kevin Short, Australian High Commissioner HE Patricia Forsythe, Turkish Ambassador HE Mrs Ömür Ünsay and thousands of New Zealanders for the Dawn Service at Pukeahu.
Ka maumahara tonu tātou kia rātou - We will remember them.
We mark tomorrow's Anzac Day commemorations with a message from The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy, Governor-General of New Zealand and His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley, Governor-General of Australia.
Scroll down for video. The text in full
NZGG: Kia ora koutou. Greetings. Anzac Day is an opportunity to remember, reflect and honour those who have served in our Defence Forces.
AusGG: It is also a day that binds Australia and New Zealand. A day to recognise our shared history, our mateship and our commitment to each other. That is why Dame Patsy and I, on behalf of all Australians and New Zealanders, want to again mark Anzac Day together.
NZGG: Last year, marches could not be held, there were no pilgrimages to historic battlefields and we were unable to gather together on Anzac Day. Yet the importance of Anzac Day - to all of us - was still very evident. Despite the pandemic, people found a way to mark the day. In towns and cities across our countries, people rose at dawn and ventured down their driveway to stand and honour the service of our forebears.
We showed out commitment to honouring the Anzac legacy by taking time to stop, remember and say a quiet ‘thank you’ to those who have sacrificed themselves for our nations.
AusGG: If anything, last year showed the relevance of the Anzac legacy to the modern generation.
Anzac Day is about remembering the past and honouring those men and women whose service and sacrifice in conflicts long-passed helped create the world we enjoy today. It is, though, not just about history. It is very much about the here and now.
It is as much about those who serve in uniform today or who have served in recent years as it is about our ancestors who served alongside each other at Gallipoli. Our modern veterans exemplify the Anzac legacy and, through their service, enhance it. Anzac Day is for them.
NZGG: It is a day when our modern veterans and those who are in uniform should know that we are grateful for their service. It is also for their loved ones. The parents, husbands, wives, partners and children who support them – while they serve and in the years that follow. Their love and support and, for some, their sorrow and loss, are part of the story of our military history.
AusGG: On Anzac Day 2021, as we continue to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia and New Zealand will again stop – to reflect, remember and honour those who have served. As we do, we should recognise the unique and unbreakable bond between our countries.
NZGG: We will reflect on the Anzac legacy and how our modern veterans have played their part in taking that history forward.
AusGG: And we should recognise acknowledge the support provided and sacrifice made by the loved ones of those in uniform. Lest We Forget.
This afternoon's investiture ceremony brought investiture week in Tāmaki Makaurau to a close.
Congratulations to the final seven recipients who received the insignia of their honours for services to neuroscience and education; health; sustainable business and harness racing; education; agriculture and the community and people with disabilities.
Acknowledging more notable New Zealanders for their services to Aotearoa - including business supremo Rob Fyfe and former Split Enzer and guitar pedal inventor Paul Crowther.
Congratulations to the seven recipients at this morning's ceremony who were recognised for services to business and tourism; philanthropy, education and health; education; music; sustainable business and Fair Trade; and conservation.
The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Professor Dame Juliet Gerard, received her damehood this morning at Government House Auckland. Dame Juliet was appointed to the role of Chief Science Advisor in 2018, following Sir Peter Gluckman. She is currently a professor in the School of Biological Sciences and Chemical Science at the University of Auckland, specialising in protein science.
One of our most well-known athletics coaches was also recognised today with Arch Jelley receiving a CNZM. He has coached several of our most famous runners, including Olympians and multiple national champions.
This afternoon New Zealand's State Memorial Service for HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was held in Wellington's Cathedral of St Paul. Dame Patsy delivered the eulogy and the Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, delivered a reading.
One of Aotearoa’s most well-known singer/songwriters, Sir Dave Dobbyn, received his knighthood today at this morning’s investiture ceremony. He was recognised for his distinguished career which began in 1979 when he fronted Th’Dudes, DD Smash in the 1980’s and also a decades-long solo career.
Among those joining Sir Dave was barrister Denise Ritchie, a barrister who has done incredibly important work to prevent sexual violence and exploitation of children and Professor Ian Reid for his research focused on osteoporosis.
Former Kiwi Ferns captain and three-time New Zealand Rugby League women’s player of the year Honey Hireme was among the recipients receiving their New Zealand honours this afternoon at Government House Auckland.
She was joined by six other recipients, including Bishop of Te Tai Tokerau The Rt Rev Te Kītohi Pikaahu. At age 37 when he was appointed in 2002, he held the distinction of being the youngest bishop in the global Anglican community.
Former Green Party Member of Parliament Keith Locke also received an honour for services to human rights advocacy.
This morning six recipients were honoured at their investiture ceremony in Auckland, as well as the family of one recipient who had sadly. Recipients include Distinguished Professor Marson Conder, for his contributions to mathematics and Afamasaga Vaafusuaga Telesia Alipia, who has done amazing work in Pacific early childhood education.
Dame Patsy discovered a connection to one of this morning’s recipients, Mr Rowan Garrett, who received his QSM for services to brass bands. Mr Garrett and Dame Patsy’s father, Neil Reddy, were both foundation members of the Kerepehi Brass Band in 1946. Mr Garrett joined the band as a 10 year old and has been a member for the past 70 years.
This afternoon began the Auckland investiture ceremonies celebrating the New Year 2021 New Zealand honours recipients. Seven recipients were honoured today, including Dr Sally-Ann Harbison, for services to forensic science and Rosslyn Noonan, for services to human rights. Ms Noonan was Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission and is currently Vice-Chairperson for Amnesty International New Zealand.
Receiving Aotearoa’s highest honour, the Order of New Zealand, was Dame Anne Salmond. She joins a very select few who have been conferred with the Order of New Zealand, which is Aotearoa’s highest honour.
There are only 20 living members of the Order at any one time and insignia are passed on from previous recipients. The insignia Dame Anne received was last worn by Dame Te Atairgangikaahu, Te Arikinui of Tainui from 1966 to 2006.
Dame Anne, who is Professor of Maori Studies and anthropology, is a former New Zealander of the Year, and highly regarded for her work as an eminent historian, presenter, advocate and teacher.
Dame Patsy hosted a reception for patronage organisation Sister Cities New Zealand, as they celebrated 40 years of global connection and diversity.
There are close to 160 sister city relationships currently active in New Zealand, encompassing cities and regions in around 24 countries.
Sister Cities New Zealand aims to foster international understanding in order to encourage an exchange of education and culture, and where possible, tourism and trade as catalysts for mutual economic growth.
Congratulations on 40 years of encouraging friendship and co-operation.
Dame Patsy received the credentials of the new diplomatic envoys from Thailand and Turkey at Government House in Wellington. The Guard of Honour and Maori Cultural Group were supplied by the Royal New Zealand Navy.
The Royal New Zealand Airforce Band provided the music.
Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted Public Sector leaders, including Chief Executives of Government Ministries, Departments and agencies. She thanked them for their responsiveness over a particularly challenging year.
Today Dame Patsy and Sir David travelled to Manaia Marae on the Coromandel Peninsula, where Dame Patsy conferred the insignia of a knighthood on Justice Sir Joe Williams, the first Maori to be appointed as a judge in the Supreme Court. Hundreds of people came to celebrate Sir Joe's accolade, and the guests included the Chief Justice, Dame Helen Winkelmann, Supreme Court judges, the Hon Nanaia Mahuta, and Dame Tariana Turia.
Following the investiture, a future-focussed wananga in the afternoon focussed on topics such as Crown-iwi partnerships, wellbeing, education, and tikanga in dispute resolution. Dame Patsy was one of the speakers, reflecting on her experience representing the Crown - as a Chief Crown Negotiator and in her current role as Governor-General.
