The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

This morning Dame Patsy received the credentials of new diplomatic envoys to New Zealand: HE Mr Chann Rotana, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia; HE Ms Satu Mattila-Budich, Ambassador of the Republic of Finland; HE Mr Merzak Belhimeur, Ambassador of

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a dinner this evening to thank some of the many people who have contributed to the new Wellington Children’s Hospital, which is nearing its final stages of completion.

On Saturday Dame Patsy travelled to Whangara to present Professor Sir Derek Lardelli with the insignia for his knighthood.

Government House was lit up for the return of Matairangi Mahi Toi Artist in Residence Troy Kingi with a preview of his new album "Black Sea, Golden Ladder'.

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David attended celebrations to mark 25 years of tenancy of the Old Government Buildings by Victoria University of Wellington's Law Faculty.

Dame Patsy hosted a reception to mark Whānau Āwhina Plunket's 114th birthday and International Nurses Day.

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted Trustees and supporters of Te Papa Foundation for a tour of selected rooms at Government House, focussing on the art, furniture and interior design elements.

Friday afternoon closed the Wellington New Year 2021 investiture ceremonies, with 14 recipients receiving their honours. Celebrated author Elizabeth Knox received a CNZM for services to literature and playwright Victor Roger was awarded an ONZM.

Professor Dame Cindy Kiro was honoured for services to child wellbeing and education at this morning’s investiture ceremony.

13 recipients were honoured at this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, including Dame Karen Poutasi, who has been Director General for the Ministry of Health (1995-2006) and Chief Executive of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (2006-2020).

Congratulations to Sir William Temara, who received the insignia of a KNZM at an investiture ceremony at Government House in Wellington this morning.

This morning's investiture ceremony saw 14 people receive the insignia of their honour including former Speaker of the House of Representatives The Rt Hon Sir David Carter and All Black Conrad Smith.

At this afternoon's investiture ceremony, 13 honours recipients were recognised for their outstanding achievements and contributions.

Dame Patsy recognised the acheivements of 14 notable New Zealanders at an investiture ceremony at Government House in Wellington today.

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a dinner at Government House for Sir Mason Durie, ONZ, who received New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand for his contribution to Maori health initiatives, research, governance, academia and ed

This afternoon began the Wellington investiture ceremonies honouring the New Year 2021 New Zealand Honours recipients.

This morning's National Service to mark Anzac Day at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park was attended by military representatives, members of the Diplomatic Corps and several thousand members of the public.

One year ago, traditional ANZAC Day services were replaced by New Zealanders standing at Dawn outside their homes.

Ka maumahara tonu tātou kia rātou - We will remember them.

This afternoon's investiture ceremony brought investiture week in Tāmaki Makaurau to a close.

Acknowledging more notable New Zealanders for their services to Aotearoa - including business supremo Rob Fyfe and former Split Enzer and guitar pedal inventor Paul Crowther.

Eight more New Zealanders were acknowledged for their achievements at an investiture ceremony at Government House in Auckland this afternoon.

The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Professor Dame Juliet Gerard, received her damehood this morning at Government House Auckland. Dame Juliet was appointed to the role of Chief Science Advisor in 2018, following Sir Peter Gluckman.

This afternoon New Zealand's State Memorial Service for HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was held in Wellington's Cathedral of St Paul. Dame Patsy delivered the eulogy and the Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, delivered a reading.

One of Aotearoa’s most well-known singer/songwriters, Sir Dave Dobbyn, received his knighthood today at this morning’s investiture ceremony.

Former Kiwi Ferns captain and three-time New Zealand Rugby League women’s player of the year Honey Hireme was among the recipients receiving their New Zealand honours this afternoon at Government House Auckland.

This morning six recipients were honoured at their investiture ceremony in Auckland, as well as the family of one recipient who had sadly.

This afternoon began the Auckland investiture ceremonies celebrating the New Year 2021 New Zealand honours recipients.

Dame Patsy hosted a reception for patronage organisation Sister Cities New Zealand, as they celebrated 40 years of global connection and diversity.

Dame Patsy received the credentials of the new diplomatic envoys from Thailand and Turkey at Government House in Wellington. The Guard of Honour and Maori Cultural Group were supplied by the Royal New Zealand Navy. 

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted Public Sector leaders, including Chief Executives of Government Ministries, Departments and agencies. She thanked them for their responsiveness over a particularly challenging year.

Today Dame Patsy and Sir David travelled to Manaia Marae on the Coromandel Peninsula, where Dame Patsy conferred the insignia of a knighthood on Justice Sir Joe Williams, the first Maori to be appointed as a judge in the Supreme Court.