The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

This afternoon at Government House Wellington, eight remarkable New Zealanders received their insignia, following their inclusion on the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

This morning eight recipients received their insignia at Government House Wellington, including National President of the Council of Women, Vanisa Dhiru.

This afternoon marked the beginning of the Wellington investiture ceremonies, honouring the 2021 Queen's Birthday New Zealand Honours recipients. Recipients came from right across the country – from Hastings to Geraldine.

After a quick trip in an NH90 helicopter, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were welcomed onto the New Zealand Army Marae, before attending the New Zealand Commissioning Course Graduation 2021 at Waiouru Military Camp.

Yesterday evening Dame Cindy and Dr Davies honoured the 18 rangatahi who recently graduated from the BGI (Wellington Boys' and Girls' Institute) Challenge for Change programme.

After doing things digitally in previous times, today Government House welcomed diplomats in person for Dame Cindy’s first Credentials ceremonies.

Dame Cindy visited Wellington clothing company, nisa, created in 2017 by former lawyer Elisha Watson.

This morning Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the Wellington City Mission. City Missioner Murray Edridge took them on a tour of the current facilities, including the cafe, chapel, and social supermarket.

Last night Dame Cindy presented "Women of Worth" Awards to six women who had been nominated by Wellington branch members of the Council of Jewish Women.

On Friday 29th October 2021, Dame Cindy Kiro hosted a reception for the Diplomatic Corps at Government House Wellington.

With the help of digital technology, a very special moment occoured for our Governor-General Designate, Dame Cindy Kiro, when she had a private audience with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, New Zealand’s Head of State.

Conservation and sustainability have been a strong focus of Dame Patsy's engagements during her term of office, so it was highly appropriate that her final official engagement at Government House should be to launch a new initiative of the QEII National

A very special gathering was held in Taupaepae on the 20th September for the unveiling of Dame Patsy’s Coat of Arms, which now sit proudly next to those of Sir Jerry Mateparae.

Dame Patsy virtually welcomed incoming Diplomats to Government House with the return of Credentials ceremonies via Zoom this afternoon.

This afternoon at Government House, Dame Patsy awarded Royal Humane Society of New Zealand Silver Medals to three extraordinary New Zealanders.

After visiting the site during its construction last year, Dame Patsy had the privilege to open Pet Refuge’s new space, which can now welcome up to 75 animals including cats, dogs, birds and other small pets.

For Dame Patsy’s final regional visit as Governor-General, she headed north to Taranaki for a three-

Last night at Government House Dame Patsy was presented with a Distinguished Fellowship Award by the Institute of Directors, in recognition of her contribution in governance roles in the private sector and government.

The second stop on Dame Patsy's final visit to Christchurch was a place she is now well-familiar with - the Canterbury Refugee Resettlement and Resource Centre. This was her fourth visit to the centre, based in the Phillipstown Community Hub.

On their first stop during the day visit to Christchurch, Dame Patsy and Sir David visited leading New Zealand sustainable fashion lable Untouched World.

This afternoon Dame Patsy and Sir David attended the official opening of the Waikato Regional Council's new premises in Hamilton.

This evening, Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a reception for the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata. The Gallery, which has its permanent home at Shed 11 on Wellington’s Waterfront, tells the story of New Zealanders through portraiture.

At Olympic House in Auckland, Dame Patsy and Sir David received a briefing from New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith and NZOC President Mike Stanley.

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David were hosted to a dinner by the Royal Wellington Golf Club. Governors and Governors-General have had a long association with the Club.

Following on from last week’s dinner for the 11 Defence personnel who have acted as her Aides de

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted the annual Caring Families Aotearoa Excellence in Foster Care awards for some outstanding carers this afternoon. The annual awards recognise carers from around New Zealand going above and beyond for young people in need.

Last Friday, following the investiture ceremony at Christchurch Town Hall, Dame Patsy and Sir David went to St George's Hospital for the official opening of the Cressy Wing.