The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

This morning we were fortunate to have clear skies for the official welcome for new diplomatic envoys at Government House.

Children were front and centre at a reception celebrating 25 years of the Duffy Books in Homes programme.

This morning Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted Gandhi Nivas staff, counsellors, researchers and Police liaison at Government House Auckland.

Last night Dame Patsy hosted Foundation North's inaugural Tohu Autaia - Community Stars- at Government House Auckland.

This morning Dame Patsy was the first member of the SPCA's new Giving Hearts legacy programme to have the privilege of naming a rescue animal - in this case, a foxy-chihuahua cross - which she named Coco after her own dog.

Today we welcomed year 13 students from secondary schools in the Auckland region who had spent the rest of the day as guests of On Being Bold, a network of high-achieving women.

The Malvina Major Foundation assists emerging talent in New Zealand through an emerging artists programme, in partnership with NZ Opera; a Young Artist or Fellowship programme, which offers more experienced singers a principal r

The centenary of Colin McCahon's birth is being marked by a series of events around New Zealand. Government House's reception last night was held 100 years to the day of his birth, and we were privileged to have three of his works on display.

On 1 August, 1987, te Reo Maori became an official language of New Zealand. Today, 32 years later, Dame Patsy officially launched Te Wiki o te Reo Maori 2019 at the Wharewaka on Wellington's waterfront.

It was Rotorua's chance to shine with a stunning welcome at Te Papaiouru Marae. A particular highlight was the magnificent performances of the Rotorua Girls' and Boys' High School kapa haka group.

Dame Patsy was welcomed at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi in Whakatane this morning, where she got to grips with robotics in the Robopa, before seeing some demonstrations of the cutting edge tech being used to train nursing students.

The weather and the welcome couldn't have been warmer in Tauranga as Dame Patsy and Sir David began a four day visit to the Bay of Plenty region.

On Wednesday night this week, the Himalayan Trust hosted a gala dinner to mark the centenary of Sir Edmund Hillary's birth.

Dame Patsy has supported Te Te Huringa o Te Tai o Nga Wahine, a programme for Maori girls in Otara, for the last three years, but this is the first time the girls, the volunteers, committee members and Police mentors have come to Government House.

Dame Patsy visited GridAKL in the Wynyard Quarter Innovation Precinct this afternoon to see how ATEED, Auckland's economic development agency is facilitating innovation, sustainability measures, and start-ups. 

Last night's reception for NZ On Air celebrated its role in bringing New Zealand culture to our screens and airwaves over the last 30 years.

Dame Patsy has had a couple of opportunities to meet some of our most talented rangatahi during the school holidays.

Last week, she caught up with the New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir and this morning she opened Youth Parliamant 2019.

Leaders of public sector agencies, NGOs and the private sector have come together as partners to form the Aotearoa Circle, which will address critical sustainability issues in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Three inspiring speakers, expressing three very different perspectives on the topics of diversity and inclusion captivated tonight's guests at a dinner in celebration of diversity in 21st century New Zealand.

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted the members of the Halberg Foundation Youth Council at a morning tea at Government House in Wellington.

"I stand as one.

Dame Patsy officiated at the swearing-in of new Minister, Hon Poto Williams at Government House in Wellington. Minister Williams is the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector and is also Associate Minister for Greater Christchurch Regenera

Rugby players taking part in the 93rd Quadrangular Tournament visited Government House today.

Dame Patsy was on ribbon-cutting duties at the new Dark Sky Experience attraction in Takapō.

Okains Bay Museum is located in a remote bay on Banks Peninsula.

This morning Dame Patsy received a warm welcome at the Linwood Islamic Centre, where she met members of Christchurch's Muslim community.

Three new diplomatic envoys presented their credentials to Dame Patsy this morning: HE Mr Mark Holowesko, the High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas; HE Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, the Apostolic Nuncio; and HE Professor Joyce Kakuramatsi

Fourteen young New Zealanders have been chosen from their peers to receive this year's New Zealand Youth Awards.

We're heading into the busiest part of the year and the Governor-General's diary is looking very full. Regrettably we cannot accept any more invitations for June, July, August and September 2019.

On 15 June, Dame Patsy and Sir David attended an investiture ceremony for St John postulants at the Cathedral of St Paul's in Wellington. Dame Patsy is Prior of the Order in New Zealand.

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a fundraising dinner for the Red Cross to mark World Refugee Day.

Every year in New Zealand, one in three girls, one in six boys and one in two disabled people experience some form of sexual abuse. For Maori girls and women, the likelihood of sexual violence is twice as high as the general population.