The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

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”.

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.

In between a Governor-General’s term ending and the appointment of the next Governor-General, there is a need to fulfil the functions of the office during the interregnum.

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.

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.

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

For Dame Patsy’s final regional visit as Governor-General, she headed north to Taranaki for a three-day trip. The first stop on the trip was a celebration gala for Taranaki Arts Festival Trust’s 30 Years of Festivals.

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.

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

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.

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