The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

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.

Congratulations to the 11 recipients who received the insignia of their honours at a ceremony in Christchurch this morning.

In February, a scheduled visit to Bluff's Te Rau Aroha Marae was postponed because of Level Two protocols around the size of public gatherings.

To contend with the crisp Wellington weather, Dame Patsy hosted a smaller (warmer) credentials ceremony inside for new Ambassadors and High Commissioners this morning.

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David attended a meeting of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs at Victoria University. Dame Patsy spoke to an audience of NZIIA members and members of the Diplomatic Corps about the internatio

The work the Child Cancer Foundation does is so important to families going through an incredibly stressful time.

Earlier in the year, Dame Patsy and Sir David truly enjoyed the opportunity to visit the Aotearoa Art Fair in Auckland. This evening they returned the favour and thanked the “engine room” of people who made the five-day experience a success.

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted staff and supporters of Wellington's City Mission to hear about the Mission's exciting new project, Whakamaru, which will be a community hub in Newtown.

Dame Patsy formally opened Te Papa's magnificent exhibition of surrealist art from Rotterdam's Museum  Boijmans Van Beuningen.

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.