The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

It was a night of stories, laughter and memories tonight at Government House as past and present members of the Police National Dive Squad got together to celebrate 50 years of exceptional service to the people of New Zealand.

On Tuesday 29 May, Dame Patsy appeared on RNZ's Bookmarks with Jesse Mulligan. During the interview, Dame Patsy talked about her favourite books, movies and music and revealed the truth about her relationship with Helen Reddy, the Australian singer.

The Queen's Birthday 2018 Honours list has been released. Congratulations to all the New Zealanders who have been acknowledged for their contribution.

On Friday night Dame Patsy and Sir David joined in the annual celebration of excellence in Maori farming and agribusiness - the Ahuwhenua Awards dinner, this year held in Christchurch.

Last Friday, Dame Patsy and Sir David helped mark a major milestone for Christchurch Girls High School with the official opening of the first major rebuild project since the school was extensively damaged by the Canterbury earthquakes.

This morning Dame Patsy and Sir David visited the Police College to touch base with Wing 316 recruits, who are currently in their 7th week of training to become Police officers. Dame Patsy is Patron of Wing 316.

Many thanks to the Centre for Brain Research for the opportunity for Dame Patsy to speak at the dinner held at St Mathew-in-the-City in Auckland on 11 May, and for providing us with photos taken on the night.

Educator, treaty settlement adviser and Maori heritage protector Sir John Clarke was knighted at Government House this morning by Dame Patsy.

Receiving their insignia this morning were:

Suffrage 125 was commemorated at Government House this afternoon with a special investiture ceremony, celebrating the achievements of New Zealand women.

Congratulations to all 22 honour recipients at this morning's ceremony at Government House.

Receiving their insignia this morning were:

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a reception for the Fred Hollows Foundation at Government House in Wellington.

This morning's investiture recipients included Mr Randal Heke, whose role in the establishment of Scott Base in Antarctica in the 1950s was recognised with the award of the New Zealand Antarctic Medal.

Receiving their insignia in this ceremony were:

Congratulations to the 20 recipients of Honours at Government House this afternoon, including leading educator in technology education, Frances Valintine, CNZM; former Member of Parliament, The Hon Chester Burrows, QSO; and entomologist Dr Ruud Kleinpas

Receiving their insignia at this ceremony were:

Congratulations to the latest member of the Order of New Zealand Joy Cowley and the other 19 New Zealanders who received their insignia at investitures at Government House this morning.

This morning's investiture ceremony from Government House in Wellington.

It was ballet's turn in the spotlight this evening at Government House, with Dame Patsy and Sir David hosting the Ballet Foundation's "A Celebration of Ballet" in the Ballroom.

Dame Patsy and Sir David wish to pass on their condolences to the family of Lady Beattie who died in Wellington on Wednesday.

The Arts Foundation Icon Awards recognise distinguished artists for their contributions to New Zealand's arts and culture.

The full video of this mornin's investiture ceremony

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Congratulations to all the recipients at this morning's investiture ceremony at Government House in Auckland.

Dame Patsy and Sir David travelled to Turkey to represent New Zealand at commemorative events associated with the Gallipoli campaign. Our thanks to New Zealand Defence for providing us with  images of some of the events that they attended.

Congratulations to all our honours recipients this afternoon.

The full video of this afternoon;'s investiture ceremony

The recipients at this morning's investiture ceremony at Government House Auckland included Dame Georgina te Heuheu, DNZM; Ms Jane Drumm, QSO, advocate for victims of domestic violence; and Maori sculptor Mr Fred Graham, ONZM.

Prominent Maori leader Dame Rangimarie Glavish, DNZM, academic and writer Dr Manying Ip, art dealers John Gow, MNZM and Gary Langsford, MNZM, and Associate Professor Michael Hilton, MNZM were among the recipients of honours at Government House Auckland.

The full video of this morning's ceremony at Government House in Auckland