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The Governor-General's blog

The official blog of the Governor-General of New Zealand

  • Dissolution of Parliament

    Post date: 
    Monday, 21 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    Today Dame Patsy signed the proclamation dissolving the 51st Parliament of New Zealand. The proclamation takes effect tomorrow, when it will be officially read out on the steps of Parliament by the New Zealand Herald of Arms Extraordinary. The reading of the proclamation will take place at 11am and is open to the public 

    Dissolution of the 51st Parliament

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  • State Welcome for the President of the Republic of Croatia

    Post date: 
    Saturday, 19 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    The Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy and Sir David Gascoigne hosted a State Welcome ceremony and luncheon for the President of the Republic of Croatia,Her Excellency Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and Mr Jacov Kitarovic at Government House in Auckland.

    Images of the ceremony

    Image of Her Excellency Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic doing the hongi with kaumatua Prof Piri SciasciaD
    Image of the challenge at the State Welcome for the President of Croatia
    Image looking over the lawn at Government House during the State Welcome ceremony
    Image of Dame Patsy Reddy the President of the Republic of Croatia,Her Excellency Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic
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  • Auckland investiture - Friday 18 August

    Post date: 
    Friday, 18 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    Kiwi singer-songwriter Annie Crummer was one of 15 honours recipients who attended investitures in Auckland today. Other recipients included screenwriter and executive producer Rachel Lang, MNZM, who co-created shows like "Outrageous Fortune" and "Go Girls"; and Tony Hall, Chancellor of Lincoln University, who became a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to educaton and sport.

    Today's investiture photos

    Image of Annie Crummer listening to her citation being read
    Image of a guest doing a haka for Marara Te Tai Hook at Auckland investitures
    Image of Ms Rachel Lang, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to television
    Image of Dr David Chamley, of Auckland,ONZM,for services to anaesthesia
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  • Thursday afternoon investiture

    Post date: 
    Thursday, 17 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    This afternoon Dame Patsy hosted an investiture ceremony for 12 New Zealand achievers. Amongst this afternoon's recipients - Sir Graeme Dingle, KNZM , for services to youth; Cameron Brown, ONZM, for services to triathlon and Sally Ikinofo, MNZM for services to education and Maori and Pacific communities.

    More photos of this ceremony 

    Image of Dame Patsy Reddy with Sir Graeme Dingle
    Image of Mr Cameron Brown, of Auckland, ONZM, for services to triathlon
    Image of Mrs Sally Ikinofo, of Auckland,MNZM, for services to education and Māori and Pacific communities
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  • This morning's investitures in Auckland

    Post date: 
    Thursday, 17 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    This morning, Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted an investiture ceremony at Government House Auckland and congratulated 12 honours recipients. These included Emeritus Professor Dame Peggy Koopman-Boyden, an authority on gerontology and eminent cardiologist Professor Hamid Ikram.

    An image of Dame Patsy and Emeritus Professor Dame Peggy Koopman-Boyden, DNZM, of Hamilton, for services to seniors
    An image of Dame Patsy with Professor Hamid Ikram, of Christchurch, ONZM for services to cardiology and education
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  • This afternoon's investitures at Government House

    Post date: 
    Wednesday, 16 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    This afternoon's investiture recipients included Dame Julie Christie, DNZM, for services to governance and the television industry, Ms Mary Ama, CNZM, for services to the arts and the Pacific community, Mr Jim Gray, ONZM for services to Maori and governance, and Mr Michael Meredith, MNZM for services as a restauranter and to philanthropy.

    An image of Dame Julie Christie, of Auckland, DNZM for services to governance and the television industry
    An image of Ms Mary Ama, of Auckland, CNZM for services to the arts and the Pacific community
    An image of Dame Patsy and Mr Wahiao (Jim) Gray, of Rotorua, ONZM for services to Māori and governance
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  • Investitures at Goverment House in Auckland

    Post date: 
    Wednesday, 16 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    This morning Dame Patsy congratulated 13 honours recipients at Government House in Auckland. Amongst those honoured were former Prime Minister the Rt Hon Sir John Key who became a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, dancer/choreographer Neil Ieremia, ONZM and photographer Dr Fiona Pardington, MNZM.

    Image gallery of all recipients

    Image of The Right Honourable Sir John Key, GNZM, of Auckland, for services to the State
    Image of John Key being made a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
    Image of Neil Ieremia, of Auckland, ONZM,for services to dance
    Image of Dr Fiona Pardington, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to photography
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  • Ngāti Pūkenga Claims Settlement Bill

    Post date: 
    Monday, 14 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature, Video

    A camera crew filmed Dame Patsy signing three bills into existence this afternoon. The footage will be used for a video explaining how Parliament works and the steps required to bring a piece of legislation into existence.

    Amongst the bills was the Ngāti Pūkenga Claims Settlement Bill. This bill was of great personal interest to Dame Patsy as she had been involved in the settlement process as a Crown negotiator

    Ngati Pukenga Claims Settlement Images

    Image of a cameraman filming Dame Patsy at Government House
    Image of Dame Patsy being filmed in the Council Room at Government House
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  • Presentation of Queen's Guide and Grand Prior Awards

    Post date: 
    Saturday, 12 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    The final awards ceremony today at Government House was for 40 Queen's Guides and 7 recipients of the St John Grand Prior Award, the highest award that young members of St John can aspire to.

    https://gg.govt.nz/image-galleries/presentation-queens-guide-and-grand-prior-awards

    An image of Their Excellencies with winners of Grand Prior Awards
    An image of Their Excellencies with Queen's Guides
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  • Presentation of Queen's Scout Awards and Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Gold Awards

    Post date: 
    Saturday, 12 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    Congratulations to the 63 recipients of awards this afternoon

    https://gg.govt.nz/image-galleries/presentation-duke-edinburgh-hillary-gold-awards-and-queens-scout-awards

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  • Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Gold Awards

    Post date: 
    Saturday, 12 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a ceremony for 56 Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Gold Awards this morning. https://gg.govt.nz/image-galleries/duke-edinburgh-hillary-gold-awards-presentation

     

    An image of Dame Patsy with award recipients
    Dame Patsy with students from Lindisfarne College
    An image of Their Excellencies with the official party
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  • Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Awards AGM

    Post date: 
    Friday, 11 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    Today Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted the board meeting for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Aotearoa New Zealand Hillary Award, with Dame Patsy later chairing the AGM. Tomorrow, Government House will host ceremonies to to present Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards, along with Queen's Scout, Queen's Guide and St John Grand Prior Awards.

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  • Visit to the Royal New Zealand Ballet

    Post date: 
    Thursday, 10 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    Dame Patsy and Sir David visited the headquarters of the Royal New Zealand Ballet in Wellington for a behind the scenes look at the company as it prepares for its latest production 'Romeo and Juliet'.

     As well as touring the wardrobe department, they also sat in on a dance class.  

    Image of Dame Patsy and Sir David with the Royal New Zealand Ballet
    Dame Patsy and Sir David with the Royal New Zealand Ballet
    Image of Dame Patsy and Sir David arriving at the St James Theatre
    The RNZB's next production, Romeo and Juliet, opens in Wellington, then tours New Zealand
    Image of Dame Patsy and RNZB Director, Marketing and Development Susannah Lees-Jefferies looking at costumes
    Dame Patsy and RNZB Director, Marketing and Development Susannah Lees-Jefferies look at millinery
    Image of Dame Patsy and Sir David with Romeo and Juliet Costume designer, James Acheson
    Image of Dame Patsy and Sir David with Romeo and Juliet Costume designer, James Acheson
    Image of Dame patsy being shown the hand beading on one of the costumes
    Beading on the costumes is done by hand
    Image of the beading (close up) and dancer Madeleine Graham wearing the finished product
    Close up of the beading and dancer Madeleine Graham wearing the finished product while acting wardrobe supervisor Esther Lofley pins the hem
    Image of costume designs from the RNZB's production of 'Romeo and Juliet'
    Image of Dame Patsy and Sir David with Frances Turner, Chief Executive of the RNZB and Patricia Barker, Artistic Director
    Dame Patsy and Sir David with Frances Turner, Chief Executive of the RNZB and Patricia Barker, Artistic Director
    Image of fabric samples used for the RNZB production of Romeo and Juliet
    Fabric samples used for the RNZB production of Romeo and Juliet. Credit Stephen A'Court
    Image of other fabrics used in the production 'Romeo and Juliet'
    More fabrics used in the production 'Romeo and Juliet'. Most of the fabrics used are imported from overseas. Credit Stephen A'Court.
    Image of RNZB dancers Madeleine Graham and Joseph Skelton rehearsinge
    RNZB dancers Madeleine Graham and Joseph Skelton rehearse. Credit Stephen A'Court.
    Image of RNZB dancers rehearsing
    RNZB dancers rehearsing. Credit Stephen A'Court
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  • Farewell Call from the High Commissioner of Malaysia

    Post date: 
    Thursday, 10 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    This morning, Dame Patsy received a farewell call from the High Commissioner of Malaysia, HE Dato' Kim Eng Lim

    Farewell Call High Commissioner of Malaysia HE Dato' Kim Eng Lim
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  • School visit

    Post date: 
    Wednesday, 9 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    An impromptu chat with students from Gisborne Girls High and Gisborne Boys High Schools today

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  • The Association of Former MPs

    Post date: 
    Wednesday, 9 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    Last night the Association of Former MPs gathered at Government House and Dame Patsy presented Sean Chan with the prize for best essay in the Association's essay-writing competition for secondary school students. The competition aims to foster awareness and participation in the political process.

    An image of Dame Patsy presenting the winning prize to Sean Chan
    An image of The Rt Hon Paul East and Mr Ross Robertson
    An image of Dame Patsy and guests
    An image of Dame Patsy and Hon Russell Marshall
    An image of Dame Patsy with Brendan and Miranda Horan
    An image of Dame Patsy with Hon Margaret Austin
    An image of Dame Paty with Mrs Rosemary Scott, judge of the essay-writing competition
    An image of Dame Patsy with Professor Stephen Levine, judge of the essay-writing competition
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  • Women in Law forum and reception

    Post date: 
    Friday, 4 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    Dame Patsy hosted an event for Women in Law at Government House in Wellington. Dame Patsy spoke to the guests about her career in law and the challenges and opportunities facing female lawyers today

    Image of Dame Patsy Reddy being interviewed at the Women in Law forum by Jenny Stevens
    Image of Jenny Stevens from Bell Gully, who acted as interviewer during the event
    Image of Dame Patsy Reddy speaking at the Women in Law forum at Government House in Wellington
    Image of Dame Patsy Reddy with a guest at the Women in Law function
    Image of guests at the Women in Law forum
    Image of guests at the reception following the Women in Law forum
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  • Visiting the Holocaust Centre

    Post date: 
    Thursday, 3 Aug 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    This afternoon, Dame Patsy and Sir David were given a tour of the Holocaust Centre in Wellington and met staff and volunteers.

    An image of Dame Patsy meeting volunteers at the Holocaust Centre
    An image of Sir David and Dame Patsy with staff and volunteers
    An image of Dame Patsy, Sir David and Steven Sedley with a map of Jewish populations in Europe
    An image of Dame Patsy inscribing a memorial stone
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  • Young Enterprise Trust - NZ Business Hall of Fame Gala Dinner

    Post date: 
    Monday, 31 Jul 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    Last Thursday, Dame Patsy was present to induct six more laureates, past and present, to the NZ Business Hall of Fame, and to congratulate the winners of the Young Enterprise Trust's programme in schools, which focuses on developing entrepeneurial skills.

    Young Enterprise Trust NZ Business Hall of Fame Gala Dinner transcript https://gg.govt.nz/publications/young-enterprise-trust-nz-business-hall-fame-gala-dinner

    An image of Dame Patsy with Young Enterprise Trust entrepeneurs
    An image of Dame Patsy with John Edmonds, descendant of Thomas Edmonds
    An image of Dame Patsy with Sir Graeme Harrison
    An image of Dame Patsy with David Nathan
    An image of Dame Patsy and Mavis Mullins
    An image of Dame Patsy with David Banfield
    An image of Dame Patsy and Pam Williams
    An image of Dame Patsy and laureates John and Leonie Hynds
    An image of Justin Sew Hoy and Trevor Agnew
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  • GovHack

    Post date: 
    Monday, 31 Jul 2017

    It's a new take on 48 hour creativity and innovation - GovHack, where teams create apps using freely available Government data sets. Dame Patsy was on hand last night to see the final presentations on everything from checking out a prospective flat for broadband speed and sunlight, to improving your chances of getting funding from Council. #govhacknz

    https://youtu.be/EaLHiW9oFaE

     

     

    An image of Dame Patsy with the organisers of GovHack
    An image of Dame Patsy with participants at GovHack in Wellington
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  • British Memorial at Pukeahu

    Post date: 
    Friday, 28 Jul 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    On 24 July, Dame Patsy and Sir David attended the unveiling of the British Memorial at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park by the Rt Hon Boris Johnson, the British Foreign Secretary.

    An image of The Rt Hon Boris Johnson, HE Jonathan Sinclair and Dame Patsy
    An image of the British Memorial and wreaths at Pukeahu
    An image of Dame Patsy, Sir Richard Taylor and Weta personnel
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  • Holocaust Centre 10th Anniversary Dinner

    Post date: 
    Friday, 28 Jul 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    On 26 July, Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a dinner to mark the 10th year anniversary of the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand.

    Dame Patsy presented five awards: to Hon Chris Finlayson, Mr Steven Sedley, Mrs Inge Woolf (Director of the Holocaust Centre) Mrs Carol Calkoen and Mr Rick Sahar.

    Holocaust Centre 10th year Anniversary Dinner - speech transcript

     

    An image of Dame Patsy Reddy and Hon Chris Finlayson
    Woolf Photography
    An image of Mr Steven Sedley with Dame Patsy
    Woolf Photography
    An image of Mrs Inge Woolf, QSO with Dame Patsy and Sir David
    Woolf Photography
    An image of Dame Patsy presenting an Award for Outstanding Service to Mrs Carol Calkoen
    Woolf Photography
    Woolf Photography
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  • Credentials USA, Panama and Myanmar

    Post date: 
    Sunday, 2 Jul 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    On Wednesday 28 June, 2017, Dame Patsy hosted credentials ceremonies for the Ambassadors of the United States of America, the Republic of Panama and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

    The Governor General with the Ambassadors of the United States of America, Panama and Myanmar
    Government House
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  • Dame Patsy Reddy - New Year's Message 2017

    Post date: 
    Wednesday, 1 Mar 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature, Video

    Dame Patsy Reddy - New Year's Message 2017.

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  • Dame Patsy attends the 80th anniversary of the Air Tattoo

    Post date: 
    Tuesday, 28 Feb 2017
    Categories: 
    Feature

    The Air Tattoo is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the RNZAF.

    Personnel and contemporary military aircraft from Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, China, Singapore, Japan and France were on hand, plus some wonderful vintage aircraft. The F16s proved to be too fast to catch on film - but you can see them in action tomorrow at Ohakea for the 2nd day of the Tattoo

    Visit the image gallery of the day's action!

    Dame Patsy in the cockpit of a RNZAF Hercules
    Join the conversation on Facebook
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  • The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy Swearing-in Ceremony

    Post date: 
    Monday, 31 Oct 2016
    Categories: 
    Feature, Video

    The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy was sworn-in as the 21st Governor-General of New Zealand at Parliament on the 28 September, 2017.

     

    The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy Swearing In Ceremony September 2016

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