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  • The Governor-General
    • Biography of The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO
    • Biography of Dr Richard Davies
    • Media statements
    • Speeches by The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro
    • The Governor-General's blog
  • Office of the Governor-General
    • Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
      • About the Coronation service
      • The King of New Zealand
      • Get involved
      • Coronation events
    • Roles and functions of the Governor-General
      • Constitutional role
        • New Zealand’s Constitution
        • Credentials ceremonies
        • The Executive Council
        • The Reserve Powers
        • The Royal prerogative of mercy
      • Ceremonial role
        • Investiture ceremonies
        • New Zealand Royal Honours
      • Community role
      • International Role
    • Conditions of Appointment
      • Administrator of the Government
      • The Governor-General Act
      • The Governor-General's Flag
    • History
      • New Zealand's Governor-General - an historical perspective
      • Former Governors-General
    • Invitations, patronage and cards
      • Invitations for the Governor-General
        • Dress code for Government House events
      • Hosting the Governor-General
      • Order of precedence in New Zealand
      • Applying for vice-regal patronage
      • Current Vice-regal patronages
      • Congratulatory messages
    • Contacting the Governor-General
      • Guidance for writing to the Governor-General
    • Official portraits
    • Royal Commission Reports
  • Government House
    • Government House Wellington
      • Government House tours
        • Accessibility Information
        • Education tours
        • Group tours
        • Upcoming public tours
      • Rooms of Government House
        • Bledisloe Conservatory
        • Blundell and Porritt Rooms
        • Fitzroy Room
        • Galway and guest suites
        • Liverpool Room
        • Main Hallway
        • Maota Ariki
        • The Ballroom
        • The Council Room
        • The Landing
        • The Norrie State Dining Room
        • The Taupaepae
      • Artwork and artifacts
        • Carved coats of arms
      • Government House centenary
      • Government House conservation
        • Conservation rationale
        • The project in detail
    • Government House Auckland
      • Government House Auckland garden tours
        • Group garden tours
        • Upcoming public garden tours
      • Planning your visit and accessibility
      • History of the gardens
    • Other Government Houses
    • Staff at Government House
      • Management of Government House
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  1. Home
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  3. The Governor-General's blog

The Governor-General's blog

The official blog of the Governor-General of New Zealand

  • Matariki Hakari at Government House Wellington

    Post date:
    Friday, 20 Jun 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    Ka mahuta a Matariki ki te pae,

    Ka mahuta o tatou tumanako ki te tau.

    Mānawatia a Matariki!

    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”.

    For more photos, click here: Matariki Hakari Media Gallery.

    To read Dame Cindy's speech, click here: Dame Cindy's 2025 Matariki address.

    Their Excellencies, Government House Staff and Mayor Moko Te Pania sing a waiata

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  • World Refugee Day at Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa

    Post date:
    Saturday, 14 Jun 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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 read Dame Cindy's speech, click here: World Refugee Day 2025 Speech.

    For more images, click here: World Refugee Day Media Gallery.

    Official Photo at Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa
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  • Crown Law 150th Anniversary of the Solicitor-General

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 4 Jun 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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. 

    To read Dame Cindy's speech, click here: 150th Anniversary of the Solicitor-General speech by Dame Cindy Kiro.

    For more images, click here: 150th Anniversary of the Solicitor-General Media Gallery.

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  • Appointment of Hon David Seymour as Deputy Prime Minister

    Post date:
    Saturday, 31 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    Hon David Seymour, Dame Cindy and the Prime Minister
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  • Investiture Ceremony 24 May PM

    Post date:
    Saturday, 24 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    For more photos, click here: Investiture Ceremony 24 May PM Media Gallery.

    Mrs Jocelyn Armstrong, KSO, of Auckland, for services to interfaith communities
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    New Year 2025 Auckland Investitures 24 May PM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 24 May AM

    Post date:
    Saturday, 24 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    For more images, click here: Investiture 24 May AM Media Gallery.

    Professor Phillippa Poole, ONZM, of Auckland, for services to medical education
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    New Year 2025 Auckland Investiture Ceremony 24 May AM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 23 May PM

    Post date:
    Friday, 23 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    For more photos, click here: Investiture Ceremony 23 May PM Media Gallery.

    Sir John Gallagher, KNZM, of Hamilton, for services to business, education, philanthropy and the community
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    Dame Ingrid Collins, DNZM, of Gisborne, for services to Māori, business and health governance
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    New Year 2025 Auckland Investitures 23 May PM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 23 May AM

    Post date:
    Friday, 23 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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 more photos, click here: Investiture Ceremony 23 May AM Media Gallery.

    Mrs Anne Fitisemanu, MNZM, of Auckland, for services to business
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    New Year 2025 Auckland Investitures 23 May AM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 22 May PM

    Post date:
    Thursday, 22 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    For more images, click here: Investiture Ceremony May 22 PM Media Gallery.

    Mr Alan Smythe, CNZM, of Auckland, for services to the community and philanthropy
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    New Year 2025 Auckland Investiture 22 May PM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 22 May AM

    Post date:
    Thursday, 22 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    To see images from the ceremony, go to this link: Investiture Ceremony 22 May 2025AM.

    Dame Cindy with Sir Peter Hunter
    New Year 2025 Auckland Investitures 22 May AM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 21 May PM

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 21 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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. 

    To view images from the ceremony, go to this link Investiture Ceremony 21 May 2025PM.

    Mr John Hart, of Auckland, CNZM for services to sports governance
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    New Year 2025 Auckland Investiture 21 May PM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 21 May AM

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 21 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    To view images from the ceremony, go to this link Investiture Ceremony 21 May AM.

    Ms Nadia Lim, of Queenstown, ONZM for services to the food industry
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    New Year 2025 Auckland Investitures 21 May AM

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  • Auckland Investitures Tuesday 20 May PM

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 20 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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. 

    To view images from the ceremony, go to this link Investiture Ceremony 20 May PM.

     

    Emeritus Professor Jill Hooks, of Auckland, CNZM for services to accountancy and education
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    New Year 2025 Investiture Auckland 20 May PM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 20 May AM

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 20 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    To view images from the ceremony, go to this link: Investiture Ceremony 20 May AM Media Gallery.

    The late Constable Matt Hunt, of Auckland, New Zealand Bravery Decoration for an act of exceptional bravery in a situation of danger
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    New Year 2025 Investitures Auckland 20 May AM

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  • 99th Council Meeting of the University of South Pacific

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 20 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature
    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.”
     
    To read Dame Cindy's speech, click here: 99th Council Meeting of USP Speech.
    For more images, click here: 99th Council Meeting of USP Media Gallery.
     
    Dame Cindy and Rt Hon Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa, Prime Minister of Samoa
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  • Auckland Investitures Monday 19 May PM

    Post date:
    Monday, 19 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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. 

    To view images of the recipients, go to this link Investiture Ceremony 19 May 2025.

    The late Mr Hussein Al-Umari, of Christchurch, New Zealand Bravery Star for an act of outstanding bravery in a situation of danger
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    2025 New Year Honours Auckland 19 May PM

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  • Diplomatic Spouses Association Potluck

    Post date:
    Friday, 16 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    Dr Davies and the Diplomatic Spouses Association
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  • Celebrating Sailability Wellington's International Success

    Post date:
    Sunday, 4 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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 more images, click here: Sailability Wellington Media Gallery.

    Inspecting the ParAble-Whakatauki
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  • Investiture Ceremony 3 May 2025 PM

    Post date:
    Saturday, 3 May 2025
    Category:
    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.

    For more images, click here: Investiture 3 May PM media gallery.

    Mrs Debra Sorensen, ONZM, of Auckland, for services to Pacific health
    No Rights Reserved (CC0)
    New Year 2025 Wellington Investitures 3 May PM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 3 May 2025 AM

    Post date:
    Saturday, 3 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    To see images of the ceremony, go to this link Investiture Ceremony 3 May 2025 AM.

    Constable Kurt Maney, New Zealand Bravery Medal for an act of bravery
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    New Year 2025 Wellington Investiture 3 May AM

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  • Floral Art 60th anniversary

    Post date:
    Friday, 2 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    To see images from the event, go to this link Floral Art New Zealand 60th Anniversary.

    To read Dame Cindy's speech, go to this link Floral Art Society 60th Anniversary.

    Dame Cindy with Kerry Gelmi and her entry into the national awards
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  • Investiture Ceremony 2 May 2025 AM

    Post date:
    Friday, 2 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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. 
     

    For all images, click here: Investiture 2 May AM Media Gallery.

    Mr Henare O’Keefe, QSM, of Hawke's Bay, for services to Māori and the community
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    New Year 2025 Wellington Investitures May 2 AM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 1 May 2025 PM

    Post date:
    Thursday, 1 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    To see all photos from this afternoon's ceremony, click here: Investiture Ceremony 1 May 2025 PM Media Gallery.

    Ms Deborah Manning, of Dunedin, ONZM for services to the community and the environment
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    New Year 2025 Wellington Investiture May 1 PM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 1 May 2025 AM

    Post date:
    Thursday, 1 May 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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. 

    To see images from the ceremony, go to this link Investiture Ceremony 1 May 2025 AM.

    Dr Margot Skinner, of Dunedin, ONZM for services to physiotherapy
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    New Year 2025 Wellington Investitures 1 May AM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 30 April AM

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 30 Apr 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    To see images from the ceremony, go to this link Investiture Ceremony 30 April 2025 AM.

    Mrs Arihia Bennett, of Kaiapoi, CNZM for services to Māori, governance and the community
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    New Year 2025 Wellington Investitures 30 April AM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 30 April PM

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 30 Apr 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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. 

    To view images of this ceremony, go to this link Investiture Ceremony 30 April 2025 PM.

    Mrs Kennie Tsui, of Wellington, CNZM for services to the environment and governance
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    New Year 2025 Wellington Investitures 30 April PM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 29 April 29 PM

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    To see images from the ceremony, go to this link Investiture Ceremony 29 April 2025 PM.

    Mr Bodey Foley, of Lower Hutt, New Zealand Bravery Decoration for an act of exceptional bravery in a situation of danger
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    New Year 2025 Wellington Investitures 29 April PM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 29 April 2025 AM

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    For more images, click here: Investiture 29 April 2025 AM media gallery.

    Mr Puhirake Ihaka, ONZM, of Tauranga, for services to Māori and governance
    No Rights Reserved (CC0)
    New Year 2025 Wellington Investiture 29 April AM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 28 April 2025 PM

    Post date:
    Monday, 28 Apr 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    To view images from the ceremony, go to this link Investiture Ceremony 28 April 2025 PM.

    Mr Eugene Ryder, of Wellington, KSM for services to survivors of abuse in care
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  • Anzac Day 2025

    Post date:
    Friday, 25 Apr 2025
    Category:
    Feature
    “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.
     
    To read Dame Cindy's Dawn Service address, click here: Anzac Day 2025 Dawn Service Address.
    For more photos, click here: Anzac Day 2025 media gallery.
     
    Sir Wayne Shelford lays a wreath
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  • Matariki Dinner 2025 Ballot Information

    Post date:
    Thursday, 17 Apr 2025
    Category:
    Feature
    The chefs begin lifting the hāngī
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    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.

    Click this link to register for the ballot: Government House Wellington Matariki Dinner Ballot.

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  • Credentials ceremony April 2025

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 16 Apr 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    For more photos, click here: Wellington Credentials April 2025.

    HE Mr Phan Minh Giang is welcomed by the haka pōwhiri
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