Last night, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a very special Matariki dinner, welcoming 200 members of the public for a hāngī at Government House Wellington. Joining the Government House chefs to prepare the hakari was Rewi Spraggon, Rex Morgan and their team. The evening featured beautiful musical accompaniment from Tui-Eilish Tahere-Katene, Rob Thorne and Dr Jeremy Mayall.
In her speech, Dame Cindy remarked: “Matariki is becoming a portal to such ancestral systems and knowledge associated with Maramataka, and it is gratifying to see more and more people reclaiming and utilising this wisdom. My wish to Hiwa-i-te-Rangi is also that Matariki gatherings will build a greater sense of community and connections between New Zealanders, inspired by a kaupapa that promotes aroha – love and respect; whakamaumaharatanga – remembrance; kotahitanga – unity; and tohatoha – sharing”.
To commemorate World Refugee Day, on Saturday Dame Cindy and Dr Davies joined the festivities at Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa, the Refugee Resettlement Centre in Auckland. Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa welcomes former refugees to New Zealand, giving them the assistance they need to prepare for life in New Zealand. Zaki Ayubi gave a powerful speech on behalf of former refugees, saying “You are not broken, you are becoming. You are not a burden, you are a blessing. You did not leave your potential behind, you brought it with you”. Under the Refugee Quota Programme, New Zealand accepts 1500 refugees each year, and as of Saturday morning we reached 1503 with a few more coming over the next few weeks.
To commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Solicitor-General, Dame Cindy welcomed members and affiliates of Crown Law to Government House Wellington this evening. Crown Law was established in 1873, and provides legal advice and representation to the Government, and also has general oversight of public prosecutions. The first Solicitor-General was appointed in 1875, and, together with the Attorney-General, acts as is the Government’s chief principal legal adviser.
Today Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the Prime Minister and Hon David Seymour at a ceremony at Government House Auckland. Dame Cindy signed the warrant for the portfolio of Deputy Prime Minister and congratulated Hon Seymour on his appointment to the role.
For the final investiture ceremony of the New Year 2025 Honours, eight recipients were welcomed to Government House Auckland. Mrs Jocelyn Armstrong was recognised for services to interfaith communities. She was General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, and led the organisation’s transformation to the Conference of Churches New Zealand, which included all mainstream churches in the country.
Also among those recognised was Mrs Billie-Jean Potaka Ayton, who received an MNZM for services to education and Māori, and Dr David Robie, who received an MNZM for services to journalism and Asia-Pacific media education.
During this morning’s investiture ceremony, eight recipients received their Royal New Zealand honours, including Professor Phillippa Poole, who received an ONZM for services to medical education. Professor Poole has been a mentor and teacher, and was the first woman to be appointed Head of the School of Medicine at the University of Auckland. Also among those recognised was Mr Barry de Geest, who received a KSO for services to disabled people. Mr de Geest is New Zealand’s oldest Thalidomide survivor, and provides support and advocacy to others living with a disability through several organisations, including the Renaissance Group, which he co-founded.
At this afternoon’s ceremony Dame Ingrid Collins received a DNZM for services to Māori, business and governance. Dame Ingrid has contributed to Whangara B5 Incorporation for 50 years, an organisation regarded as an exemplar of best practice, sustainability and innovation for Māori land development.
Sir John Gallagher received a KNZM for service to business, education, philanthropy and the community. A major shareholder and Director of Gallagher Holdings Ltd, Sir John has contributed to and served his community in many organisations, including as Director of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton and as a Trustee for Gallagher Charitable Trust.
Fashion designer Kate Sylvester received an ONZM at Government House Auckland this morning. Ms Sylvester co-founded her eponymous fashion label in 1993, which expanded to be sold in stores worldwide.
Also among those recognised was Anne Fitisemanu, who received an MNZM for services to business. Mrs Fitisemanu was Chief Executive of TupuToa, an organisation that supports the growth and development of Māori and Pacific business leaders.
For this afternoon’s ceremony, Alan Smythe received a CNZM for services to the community and philanthropy. Mr Smythe has produced fundraising events for New Zealand charities for over 40 years, raising $34 million dollars. In 1996, he produced Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, and remains an executive producer for the event.
Also recognised was Dr Maysoon Salama, who co-founded New Zealand’s first Muslim early learning service, and chaired the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand.
Professor Sir Peter Hunter was among the eight recipients recognised at Government House Auckland this morning. Sir Peter is a world-leading bioengineer, and led the Physiome Project - an international collaborative project measuring and modelling all aspects of physiology in the human body.
Also among those recognised was Christine Panapa, for services to Māori, and Dr John Peek, for services to fertility treatment and reproductive health.
At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, former All Blacks coach John Hart received a CNZM for services to sports governance. Mr Hart chaired the New Zealand 2011 Group, which managed the 2011 Rugby World Cup, hosted in New Zealand for the second time. He has also been heavily involved in the New Zealand Golf Open Tournament, and is a director of the Blues Rugby Club Board.
Also among those recognised was Marama Royal, who is Chair of Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei Trust, and led the launch of the Toi Ora Health Insurance Scheme.
Producer Robin Scholes was among the eight recipients at this morning’s investiture ceremony. Mrs Scholes has produced over 25 film and television series in her career, including ‘When We Go To War’, ‘Mr Pip’ and ‘Crooked Earth’. Also among those recognised was chef, food writer and businesswoman Nadia Lim. Ms Lim rose to fame after winning MasterChef New Zealand in 2011, and has since appeared on several television shows, published 12 cookbooks, and co-founded My Food Bag.
For this afternoon’s ceremony, eight recipients were welcomed to Government House Auckland, including Tony Shaw, who received an ONZM for services to people with intellectual disabilities and the community. Mr Shaw has been heavily involved with IHC New Zealand, including serving as President and Chair of the National Board. Also among those recognised were Rū Amato and Paora Moyle, who received a KSO to recognise their services to survivors of abuse in care.
Five of the seven honours recipients at this morning's investiture ceremony were recognised for acts of bravery. Diane Hunt received the insignia of the New Zealand Bravery Decoration awarded to her son, the late Constable Matt Hunt. Peter and Sue Priest were acknowledged for for their services to Māori and conservation.
This morning, Dame Cindy formally opened the 99th Council Meeting of the University of the South Pacific, at Fale Pasifika, University of Auckland. Since its founding in 1968, USP has provided tertiary education across the Pacific for 12 member countries - Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, Niue, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Kingdom of Tonga, and Republic of Vanuatu. New Zealand and Australia have representatives on the USP Council, and help support them to provide tertiary education across the Pacific.
Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa was in attendance for today’s Council meeting. Her mother, Laʻulu Fetauimalemau Mataʻafa, was USP’s first Pro-Chancellor from 1971 to 1976.
In her speech, Dame Cindy noted “A Māori whakatauki “Whiria te taura here tāngata” says that a rope is so much stronger if multiple strands are woven together. By weaving together the energies, knowledge, talents and aspirations of peoples across the Pacific – USP has become the region’s leading tertiary provider.”
The New Year 2025 investiture ceremonies in Auckland began today with recognition of eight outstanding New Zealanders. Five of today’s recipients were recognised for acts of bravery, including the late Mr Hussein Al-Umari, whose outstanding bravery and selflessness saved the lives of others during the Christchurch Mosque attacks.
Also among those honoured was Professor Helen Pilmore, who received a CNZM for services to nephrology and transplantation services.
Today, Dr Davies joined the Diplomatic Spouses Association for a potluck at Homewood, the residence of the British High Commissioner, complete with everyone’s favourite dishes from their home country - Dr Davies representing New Zealand well with a classic pav. Dr Davies has a particularly strong connection to the DSA, and with Homewood. His Aunt was Lady Liz Mallaby, wife of Sir George Mallaby, who served as British High Commissioner to New Zealand in the 1950s. At Lady Mallaby’s suggestion, the British Government purchased Homewood, making Sir George the first British High Commissioner to live there.
Today Dr Davies visited the Titahi Bay Boat Club to join Sailability Wellington in celebrating the recent success of their team at the 2025 Para Sailing International Championships, held as part of the Hansa World Championships in Australia. It was a successful showing for the Sailability Wellington team, particularly for Xervier Doney. He won the Hansa 303 Worlds singles, and alongside his father Paul, also won the doubles. Sailability Wellington is an inclusive sailing club, helping people of all abilities learn the skill of sailing. They are currently developing a new class of boat, the ParAble-Whakatauki, with accessibility as the main feature.
For the final Wellington New Year 2025 investiture ceremony, thirteen recipients were welcomed to Government House this afternoon. Among them was Megan Tamati-Quennell, who received a CNZM for services to Māori and First Nations art, Professor Louise Parr-Brownlie, receiving an MNZM for services to neuroscience, and Sharon Stevens-Cottle, receiving an MNZM for services to dance and theatre. Also recognised was Debra Sorensen, who received a ONZM for services to Pacific Health. She is CEO of Pasifika Medical Association Group, has supported Pacific disaster relief work, and is also the CEO of the Super Rugby Franchise Moana Pasifika.
This morning 13 Honours recipients received their insignia at Government House. They included Māori language educator Dr Peter Cleave, ONZM; founder of Sudima Hotels in New Zealand, Mr Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala, ONZM; and economist Dr Bryce Wilkinson, ONZM. Constable Kurt Maney received the insignia of the New Zealand Bravery Medal for his efforts to save lives in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Floral art enthusiasts from across Aotearoa have braved the extreme weather to congregate in Wellington to celebrate the 60th year of Floral Art Society of New Zealand. This evening Dame Cindy was on hand to present awards to the winning designers, who were recognised for their innovation and creativity.
For this morning's investiture, ten recipients were honoured for their contributions to New Zealand. Among them was Māori language educator Professor Rawinia Higgins, who is Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori at Victoria University. She has held many significant governance roles, including Chair and Commissioner of Te Taura Whiri i te reo Māori, and as a member of the Waitangi Tribunal. Also among those recognised was Henare O’Keefe, a former Hastings District Councillor who has dedicated much of his career to helping the youth of Hawke’s Bay, and has been a foster father to over 200 children.
At this afternoon’s ceremony, eleven recipients received their insignia, including KiwiHarvest founder Deborah Manning. KiwiHarvest redistributes excess food and ensures it goes to people in need – distributing the equivalent of 27 million meals over the past 12 years. Also among those recognised was Esther Fung, an elder of the Chinese New Zealand community, who is a trustee of the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust. Congratulations to all of this afternoon’s recipients.
Fourteen honours recipients received their insignia from Dame Cindy at this morning's investiture ceremony. They included Ms Laurie Hilsgen, who received an Honorary CNZM for services to family carers: former Head of Department at Dunedin School of Medicine, Emeritus Professor Murray Tilyard, ONZM; and Dr Ingrid Huygens, MNZM for her services to education and Māori.
This morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted 13 recipients of Royal New Zealand Honours, who were acknowledged for their outstanding services and achievements across diverse areas of endeavour. They included Mrs Arihia Bennett, CNZM, for services to Māori, governance and the community; Mrs Prue Lamerton, ONZM for services to nuclear medicine; and Dr Taku Parai, ONZM for services to Māori, governance and the community.
This afternoon’s investiture ceremony acknowledged eleven honours recipients, including former Chief of Navy Read Admiral (Rtd.) David Proctor, and former Chief of Army Major General (Rtd.) John Boswell, who were recognised for their outstanding leadership in our Defence Force. Also recognised was Colin Monteath, who received the NZAM for his significant contributions to photography, literature, and research in the Antarctic.
This afternoon, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted an investiture ceremony for four recipients of a New Zealand Bravery Decoration for their acts of exceptional bravery in a situation of danger, and seven recipients of a New Zealand Bravery Medal for acts of bravery.
Dame Cindy acknowledged their exceptional courage and presence of mind as they sought to aid people in dire need of assistance, without pausing to consider the very real risk to their own lives.
This morning Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted an investiture ceremony for 13 recipients of Royal New Zealand Honours. They included environmental law expert Honorary Professor Sir Peter Skelton; Sam Whitelock, ONZM, New Zealand's highest capped All Blacks player; and Suzanne Prentice, CNZM, who was recognised for her music career and her community work.
This afternoon Dame Cindy presented insignia for Royal New Zealand Honours to people who have worked on behalf of people who have suffered abuse in care.
The twelve honours recipients have all contributed in their own way to raising public awareness of this abuse, providing support and advocacy, representing the interests of survivors, and seeking redress for them.
“This Anzac Day marks 110 years since the Gallipoli landings by soldiers in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – the ANZACS. It signalled the beginning of a campaign that was to take the lives of so many of our young men – and would devastate the communities they left behind at home. One year later, in 1916, grieving New Zealanders gathered to express their sorrow at the first Anzac Day commemoration.
Today, in our towns, cities and hamlets across the length and breadth of Aotearoa – your comrades have gathered in the chill light of dawn, alongside their families and communities, to commemorate Anzac Day.
This morning, your thoughts may be turning to your experience of military service – and to those who are missing from among your ranks.”
At dawn, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies joined around 15,000 people at the Auckland War Memorial Museum to commemorate the Anzac Day Civic Dawn Service. To conclude the service, Vanguard Military School performed a haka tautoko next to a field of crosses, representing those who have lost their lives in all conflicts impacting New Zealanders.
Later this morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the Te Atatū Community Anzac Day Service, led by the Te Atatū RSA. After a parade through the streets, the service was held in the community hall, and featured students from Rutherford College, members of the Henderson Community Board and local youth organisations.
Matariki is a significant time of year to remember those we have lost, to gather and celebrate the present, and to look forward to the future. To celebrate Matariki this year, members of the public are invited to register for a ballot for a chance to experience the manaakitanga of Government House Wellington, by attending a special hāngī dinner hosted by the Governor-General on Thursday 19 June.
The hākari will be cooked in the Government House hāngī pits, prepared by our chefs and hāngī master Rewi Spraggon. This 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 on Thursday 17 April, and closes Friday 2 May. Successful entrants will be notified during the week of Monday 19 May.
Today Dame Cindy received the credentials of new diplomatic envoys to New Zealand. In the morning, Her Excellency hosted HE Mr Daniel Sloper, High Commissioner of Australia; HE Mr Cristiano Maggipinto, Ambassador of Italy; and HE Ms Isaura Duarte, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia.
In the afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted HE Mr Phan Minh Giang, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam; Ms Carolina Molina Barrantes, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica; and Mr Junior Aini, Ambassador of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
