Blog posts in category Feature.
On Friday Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias, acting in her role as Administrator of the Government in Dame Patsy's absence, attended a reception to mark the change of command of the Defence Force.
This is based on a traditional Persian stew called Fesejan, which is usually made with poultry braised in a walnut and pomegranate sauce.
As Prior of St John New Zealand, Dame Patsy presided at an investiture ceremony for 31 postulants at St Patrick's Cathedral in Auckland on Saturday.
Image Gallery
In the Matariki spirit of imparting knowledge and extending hospitality, last night we were joined by STEM students from around Wellington to hear from astronomer Hari Mogosanu.
This morning,Dame Patsy hosted the 2018 Pukaki Scholars for morning tea at Government House. Pukaki was an 18th century Maori warrior, who was a Rangatira of the Ngati Whakaue iwi of Te Arawa in the Rotorua district.
New Zealand Down Syndrome Association celebrated their annual awards with a high tea at Government House.
This morning bad weather forced us to shift the powhiri and inspection of the Guard of Honour for our Credentials ceremony from the South Lawn into the ballroom.
The sun shone for the presentation of 10 Queen's Scout Awards and 3 Duke of Edinburgh International Gold Awards on Saturday 9 June at Government House in Auckland.
Tonight, Cabaret Government House-style featured Wyn Davies, Musical Director of Opera New Zealand and special guest Natasha Wilson, who is currently appearing in the touring production of The Elixir of Love.
The Zonta Club of Wellington's Science Award recognises excellence in science and supports further study by an outstanding woman in her early stages of her career.
Dr Rhian Salmon was guest speaker at the Zonta Science Awards last night. Her speech was inspiring, informative and pertinent and deserves to be shared.
Kia ora
Dame Patsy spoke at the 2018 Blake Leader Awards in Auckland.
2018 Blake Leader Award speech
Head chef Simon Peacock says it's soup season and we have to agree. This is one he made earlier this week - parsnip, black lentil and fresh chestnut soup. Seriously yum!
Dame Patsy presented 10 Royal Humane Society of New Zealand silver medals for acts of bravery.
The Queen's Birthday 2018 Honours list has been released. Congratulations to all the New Zealanders who have been acknowledged for their contribution.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Receiving their insignia this morning were:
Sir Herbert (John) Clarke, of Lower Hutt, KNZM, for services to Māori and heritage preservation
Mr Richard Boast, of Wellington, ONZM, for services to the law and Māori
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:
The Honourable Sir Douglas White, of Wellington, KNZM, for services to the judiciary
Mr Graeme Wheeler, of Lower Hutt, CNZM, for services to the State
Congratulations to all 22 honour recipients at this morning's ceremony at Government House.
Receiving their insignia during this special all-women ceremony to commemorate Suffrage 125 were:
The Honourable Dame Annette King, DNZM, of Wellington, for services as a Member of Parliament
Suffrage 125 was commemorated at Government House this afternoon with a special investiture ceremony, celebrating the achievements of New Zealand women.
Receiving their insignia in this ceremony were:
The Honourable Peter Dunne, of Wellington, CNZM, for services as a Member of Parliament
Mr Robert Fowler, of Auckland, QSO, for services to the community
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.
Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a reception for the Fred Hollows Foundation at Government House in Wellington.
This morning's investiture ceremony from Government House in Wellington.
Receiving their insignia 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.
Photos from the ceremony
