The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

This week the ICC Women's World Cup tournament is approaching its final stages.

Dame Cindy recently spent the week in Auckland, meeting with some remarkable organisations and individuals supporting their communities and fellow New Zealanders.

On Thursday, in a very special ceremony held at Government House Auckland, the Governor-General was invested as Dame of Justice of St John and installed as the Prior of St John, while Dr Davies was invested as an Officer of St John. 

Yesterday Dame Cindy hosted two events at Government House to celebrate Commonwealth Day 2022.

Today, Dame Cindy hosted a virtual credentials ceremony for three new Ambassadors based overseas.

This morning Dame Cindy spoke at an inspiring and informative virtual hui of the Aotearoa Circle, a cross-sector group that is working on developing roadmaps for a sustainable future for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed members of the Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade who achieved to the highest level their respective organisations.

This morning, Dame Cindy held credentials ceremonies for three new Ambassadors to New Zealand.

Seventy years ago, on 6 February 1952, a 25-year-old Princess Elizabeth asceded the throne, and became Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms. In this, the Platinum Jubilee year, we celebrate Her Majesty’

This year was a departure from New Zealanders’ previous experiences of our national day.

This morning Dame Cindy welcomed the 2021 recipients of the Sir George Elliot Tertiary Scholarships.

Last night at Government House, Their Excellencies enjoyed a real festive treat, with the Virtuoso Strings Orchestra playing a special Christmas concert.

The final investiture ceremony for the year saw eight recipients receive their honours across a wide range of fields, including one of our most capped Black Ferns.

This afternoon's investiture ceremony welcomed eight recipients to Government House Wellington.

Renowned artist Sir Grahame Sydney KNZM, economist Suzanne Snively (Honorary DNZM) and champion freediver William Trubridge MNZM were among the extraordinary New Zealanders who received their insignia for Queens Birthday honours at this morning's invest

This afternoon, Dame Cindy welcomed 11 further recipients to Government House for their investiture ceremony.

This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy had the pleasure of presenting insignia to seven recipients of Queen's Birthday Honours.

Ten recipients were welcomed to Government House Wellington this afternoon to receive their insignia, including former Member of Parliament Hon Ruth Dyson.

This morning's investiture ceremony honoured the service of nine New Zealanders who have helped to make New Zealand a better place through their work in various fields: in support of victims of sexual violence; secondary school sport; plant science

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

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 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.

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.

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.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 the armistice between Germany and the Allies came into effect, signalling the end of World War One.

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

Dame Catherine Tizard was born on the 4th April 1931 in Auckland, to Scottish immigrant parents Neil and Helen McLean.

“I stand here today: grateful for this opportunity, and determined to bring all my experience, understanding, and resolve to this new chapter of our nation’s story”.