On Friday, Their Excellencies hosted an afternoon tea for staff and supporters of Te Pā at Government House Auckland. Te Pā is a kaupapa Māori organisation supporting whānau who are in the justice system, exiting the system, or are returned from overseas.
In her speech, Dame Cindy remarked: ‘your very apt name Te Pā evokes a village; a community stronghold; a home; and therefore, a place of belonging. I commend your organisation for offering these vulnerable members of our community a safe space, run by compassionate professionals who understand and accept an individual’s past, without letting it define their future.’ You can read Dame Cindy's full speech here: Afternoon tea for Te Pā.
To conclude his time in Aotearoa New Zealand, General Secretary and President of Viet Nam Tô Lâm accompanied Dame Cindy to Starkwhite Gallery in Auckland to view world-renowned photographer Fiona Pardington’s breathtaking new work.
Taharaki Skyside was presented by Fiona at the Venice Biennale 2026 and showcases photographs of New Zealand birds preserved as taxidermy specimens in museum collections. Fiona spoke to His Excellency Tô Lâm about the spiritual nature of birds in Aotearoa and our nations’ shared reverence for the environment.
Fiona’s work provided a fitting conclusion to His Excellency’s visit, as it seeks to emulate the sense of a shared horizon, allowing our two perspectives to meet across vast distance.
Dame Cindy was honoured to officially welcome General Secretary and President of Viet Nam Tô Lâm to Government House Auckland yesterday. This is the first state visit to New Zealand by a President of Viet Nam since 2007.
Viet Nam and New Zealand have been close diplomatic partners for over fifty years, and this visit was a chance to reflect upon our shared histories and future goals as nations of the Indo-Pacific region. Dame Cindy remarked upon the profound value both Viet Nam and New Zealand place on relationships built through face-to-face interaction – kanohi ki te kanohi.
Speaking of the connection between our two countries, Dame Cindy quoted the Vietnamese poet Chế Lan Viên: ‘When we stay, it is only a place to live; when we leave, the land has become part of the soul.’
The visit included a performance by opera tenor Pene Pati, accompanied by pianist Claire Caldwell
We wish General Secretary and President Tô Lâm and his delegation all the very best for their time in New Zealand.
West Lynn Garden is a beautiful community garden in New Lynn, nurtured by generations of volunteers since it was established in 1981. Earlier this week, the Governor-General visited the Garden to continue a longstanding vice-regal tradition – planting an Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’, or Coral Bark Maple.
Though the rain made an appearance, spirits remained high as Dame Cindy joined volunteers and supporters who help keep this special place flourishing. As she reflected in her remarks: 'To plant something is to imagine a future beyond the present moment – trusting that, with patience and care, something small will take root and offer beauty, shelter, or nourishment to others.'
West Lynn Garden relies on its community of visitors, members, donors, and volunteers. If you’d like to visit, volunteer, or find out more about supporting the Garden, please visit: https://www.westlynngarden.org.nz/.
On Saturday, Their Excellencies hosted an afternoon tea to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Wellington Embroiderers' Guild.
The Guild aims to provide resources and learning opportunities to help members develop their skills, as well as promote wellbeing and social connection.
In her speech, Dame Cindy remarked ‘In this technological age where we seem to be overwhelmed with information at the touch of a button, embroidery necessitates presence and compels one to slow down and be deliberate about their time. I am heartened to hear that many of you choose to dedicate your time and skills to support our Wellington community – including providing pieces to the Wellington Children’s Hospital at Christmas time.'
Guests enjoyed both Government House embroidery and stunning examples of work by Guild members, including some of the tapestry chairs that were handstitched by community groups across the country in preparation for the visit of King George VI in 1952 (a visit he never made due to ill health), and a stunning collective artwork inspired by the 1960s for the Guild’s anniversary.
The Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga are the highest honour bestowed by The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, recognising extraordinary lifetime achievement and lasting contribution to the cultural life of Aotearoa.
Last night at Government House Wellington, the Governor-General hosted the 2026 awards and celebrated our newest Icons – Ann Robinson, Darcy Nicholas, the Topp Twins, and Witi Ihimaera – alongside Ana Iti, recipient of the Harriet Friedlander Residency.
In her speech, Dame Cindy reflected on the way great artists help us see the world, and one another, more clearly: “The title ‘Icon’ may suggest distance or grandeur. What strikes me tonight is just the opposite: the way these artists have all drawn us closer – to an idea, to this place, to one another.”
The evening also honoured Maurice Gee, Sir Donald McIntyre, Greer Twiss, and Fred Graham, whose Icon medallions were passed forward, as well as Sir Sam Neill and Dame Jools Topp.
On a beautiful winter Wellington Sunday morning, Dame Cindy joined the inaugural Mission to Seafarers service at Old St Pauls.
The Mission to Seafarers is an international organisation providing practical, emotional, and spiritual support to seafarers. The Mission has had a ministry in Wellington for more than 125 years and continues to aid those who visit the city via its ports.
The service gathered representatives from across the maritime community to give thanks to those who continue to serve at sea, and to honour the service and sacrifice of seafarers who have gone before.
Dame Cindy delivered a reading from the Recollections of Merchant Navy Apprentice John Gregson, 1924-2016. The reading spoke of the camaraderie shared between seafarers in times of war and the terrible cost they endured.
Today at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a special lunch to show her appreciation for a group whose vital work goes largely unrecognised.
From farming to bungy jumping, Standards NZ relies on hundreds of volunteers to contribute their expertise and knowledge to the development and maintenance of standards. These volunteers play a critical role in ensuring that standards are robust, relevant, and reflect the needs of New Zealand's industries, communities, and government.
In her speech, Her Excellency particularly acknowledged Standards NZ’s support for our neighbours in the Pacific, through capability building and access to standards free of charge: ‘In sharing your knowledge and expertise, you lift quality in areas such as the building industry and disaster preparedness, fostering a safer Pacific region.’
This morning, Government House Wellington played host to a very special celebration – 100 years of Rural Women New Zealand.
Rural Women New Zealand was founded in 1925, initially as a group of farmers’ wives who had gathered in Wellington for the Farmers’ Union Conference. These women realised they were all facing the same challenges; isolation, health concerns, and a lack of support. As the needs of rural women evolved throughout the twentieth century, so too did the organisation. By 1946 they had joined as the women’s division of Federated Farmers and by 1999 became the independent organisation they are known as today.
As Dame Cindy noted in her speech, 'That is not to say these women were without agency - rural communities have produced some of our most influential businesswomen, artists, authors and leaders.' You can read the full speech here: Rural Women New Zealand Centennial Celebration.
Today, Rural Women New Zealand provides networking, training and education workshops, as well as creating opportunities for connection and friendship – seeking to combat those original challenges identified by members back in 1925.
Since 1927, a Governor-General or their spouse has served as patron of Rural Women New Zealand. This is a long association which Dame Cindy is pleased to continue, and which makes this centenary celebration at Government House all the more special.
Last night, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the District Court Judges Triennial Conference in Auckland, a national gathering of judges from across Te Kōti ā Rohe o Aotearoa.
In her address, the Governor-General reflected on the vocation of judging, the responsibilities carried by the District Court, and the humanity required when people come before the courts at times of uncertainty and pain: 'Public trust is carried in the daily practice of justice – in the care given to each hearing, the integrity brought to each decision, and the relationships that sustain the courts.'
Her Excellency also took the opportunity to thank members of the District Court judiciary for their service to the law, to the courts, and to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.
This afternoon, Dame Cindy received a call from His Excellency Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, at Government House in Wellington.
The Muslim World League is an independent international organisation that brings together representatives from across the Muslim world. Its work focuses on promoting understanding of Islam and fostering friendship and cooperation among peoples.
Documentaries can help to open our minds and hearts to the experiences of others – deepening understanding, fostering empathy, and encouraging us to see the world from new perspectives.
Last week, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the opening night of the Doc Edge Festival at Wellington’s historic Roxy Cinema.
The festival brings together filmmakers, audiences, and communities through bold, thought-provoking storytelling, while celebrating the creativity, courage, and curiosity at the heart of documentary film in Aotearoa and around the world. Warmest congratulations to all involved!
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.
