The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

Today, four new diplomatic representatives presented their credentials at Government House Wellington.

This evening at the National Library, Dame Cindy delivered the annual Founder Lecture, hosted by the Friends of the Turnbull Library.

Ko tōku reo tōku ohooho, ko tōku reo tōku māpihi maurea
My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul

Last night at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the Diplomatic Corps for a very special Matariki Dinner, to mark the first time that New Zealand has observed Matariki as a public holiday.

He Wahine Maori Ahau is an inspirational speaker series focussing on the experience of Wahine Maori in the Public Service. The topic of yesterday's forum at the National Library was 'The Impact of the past on women today'.

Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the Japan Festival in Wellington yesterday – a very special event that also marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and New Zealand.

Today marks Suzanne Aubert's 187th birthday. Mother Aubert devoted her life to looking after those in need, and founded the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion.

Last night's concert by NZTrio marked the 20th year since it was formed. The current line-up of Ashley Brown, Amalia Hall and Somi Kim gave an exquisite performance of classic and contemporary music.

Speech transcript

This afternoon at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy authorised the appointment of Hon Kieran McAnulty to the Executive Council, as well as the appointment of Ministers to their new portfolios, on the advice of the Prime Minister.

There’s an old saying that goes “if you want something done, ask a busy person”. This afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted a group that truly embodies that phrase - the Auckland Justices of the Peace Association.

This afternoon, Dame Cindy officially opened Vision Bus Aotearoa; University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau's initiative to help solve inequities and barriers of access in getting better eye health to those in need.

To (belatedly) celebrate Gunners Day, Dame Cindy hosted a dinner for the Royal New Zealand Artillery Association at Government House Auckland.

To celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a Service of Celebration was held at the Cathedral of St Paul in Wellington this morning.

This morning's six recipients of honours insignia at Government House included Dr Geoff Lorigan, CNZM, who was acknowledged for his work in strategic development, academia and business. Sporting prowess featured in the careers of two recipient

Today was the final day of the Auckland investiture round.

On 15 March, His Excellency Dr Richard Davies was invested as an Officer of St John and took up the role of Patron for Community Health.

Tonight’s reception for the Himalayan Trust at Government House Auckland celebrated Everest Day – 29 May 2022 is the 69th anniversary of the historic conquest of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

This morning's eight honours recipients included Sir Wayne Shelford KNZM, former All Black Captain and men's health advocate, and Rawiri Paratene, who received his CNZM for his services to Maori, film and theatre.

At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, eight honours recipients received their insignia. They included Maxine Shortland, who has contributed 40 years to Netball as a player, coach, manager and administrator.

A New Zealand sporting trailblazer received a DNZM this morning at Government House. Dame Ruia Morrison was recognised for her outstanding tennis career, where she was the first Māori to compete at Wimbledon.

Among the eight recipients at this afternoon’s investiture ceremony was Teremoana Rapley, where she was recognised for contributions to music and television.

Former Auckland City Missioner, Sir Chris Farrelly, received his KNZM at Government House this morning. Sir Chris was recognised for his long career in Te Tai Tokerau’s health sector, and for his work leading the Auckland City Mission.

Eight further recipients were welcomed to Government House for their investiture ceremony this afternoon, including Nigel Borell, recognised for services to Māori art.

Dame Cindy presented insignia to six Honours recipients this morning at Government House Auckland. Mr Ross Black was acknowledged for his services to health, founding the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust and acting as its Chair from 1998 to 2019.

Professor Dame Marilyn Waring was one of those acknowledged in this morning's investiture ceremony at Government House Auckland.

Auckland investiture ceremonies continued this afternoon, with eight further recipients honoured for their outstanding work across New Zealand.

Auckland investiture ceremonies began at Government House this afternoon, with eight outstanding individuals receiving insignia for their contributions across the fields of education, humanitarian advocacy, and conservation.

Last night at Government House Wellington, Dr Davies hosted the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for their 150th anniversary celebrations.

Dame Cindy travelled to Abu Dhabi to attend an azza (official ceremonial ceremony) following the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

While Dame Cindy was in the United Arab Emirates, in her place Dr Davies was honoured to welcome recipients of the 2021 New Zealand Search and Rescue Awards.