The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

17 New Zealanders received the insignia  this afternoon's investiture ceremony at Government House in Wellington.

Outstanding contributions to areas as diverse as health, documentary film-making, science, history, refugee communities, optometry, conservation, water management, karate, and the arts and broadcasting were recognised at this morning's investi

Congratulations to the 17 New Zealanders recognised at Government House today for their contributions to Maori carving and bone art, business,environmental resource management, conservation, basketball, science education, tourism and heritage preservati

The 12 recipients at this morning's investiture ceremony included retired Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Timothy Keating, CNZM, and Fire Service, Police, Defence and Coastguard personnel.

Our first investiture ceremony for 17 recipients of New Year Honours was held at Government House this morning.

Dame Patsy began Anzac Day by giving the Anzac Address at the Dawn Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial.

Today we had perfect autumn weather for the powhiri and military parade associated with our credentials ceremonies.

On Thursday Dame Patsy and Sir David visited Te Papa for the Terrcotta warriors exhibition. They were also lucky enough to visit Te Papa's stacks and see some of the treasures stored there.

This afternoon, Dame Patsy hosted a reception for the Child Cancer Foundation, to honour Pat Wilkes with a Life Membership of the Foundation, in recognition of twenty years of selfless service to young cancer patients and their families.

Dame Patsy and Sir David spent a couple of days in the Southern Lakes last week. The focus of their visit was innovation in the arts, tourism and sustainability.

Before the National Remembrance Ceremony yesterday, Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a breakfast  for the Australian official delegation, the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove; Prime Minister Scott Morrison and&nb

Two weeks after a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, where 50 worshippers lost their lives and many more were injured, today's National Remembrance Service brought together the wounded and survivors of the attack, along with citizens of Ch

Dame Patsy and Sir David received a farewell call from the Ambassador of Iran, HE Mr Jalaladdin Namini Mianji and Mrs Fatemeh Namini Mianji at Government House in Wellington.

Dame Patsy has received numerous letters and messages from Heads of State, foreign dignitaries and organisations in the days following the Christchurch shootings. Here is a selection for you to read.

Messages 1

Messages 2

This morning, Dame Patsy and Sir David welcomed HM King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga and HM Queen Nanasipau'u. Their Majesties are making an official visit to New Zealand.

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a dinner on the Norrie Dining Room for His Majesty King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga and Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u.

HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan called on Dame Patsy to offer the condolences of the people of Jordan to New Zealanders in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings.

This afternoon, one week after the killing of 50 worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealanders gathered in our towns and cities to observe two minutes' silence.

Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence is Vice President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which is responsible for caring for the war graves of Commonwealth service personnel from the First and Second World Wars.

Dame Patsy and Sir David travelled to Christchurch to pay their respects following the Christchurch mosque shootings.

The second day of Dame Patsy's visit to Christchurch began with a meeting with the Canterbury Refugee Resettlement and Resource Centre.

Dame Patsy has received a telephone call from King Abdullah of Jordan. 

He expressed his deepest sympathy and his strong support for NZ and NZers. He offered whatever assistance we need to deal with the tragedy. 

This afternoon Dame Patsy and Sir David visited Kilbirnie Mosque.

Thousands of Wellingtonians attended the Vigil For Christchurch at the Basin Reserve this evening.

Her Majesty The Queen has sent a message of condolence to the people of New Zealand following the terrorist attack on the Christchurch mosques.

Message from HM The Queen

HRH The Prince of Wales has sent a message of condolence to the people of New Zealand following the terrorist attacks on the Christchurch mosques.

Message from HRH The Prince of Wales

Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the people who lost their lives in the devastating attack in Christchurch.

Baroness Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General shared the following message on the secretariat's website following the Christchurch mosque shootings: 

Message from the Governor of New South Wales and Governor-General Designate of Australia, General The Hon David Hurley.

" Your Excellency,

Today’s tragic events in Christchurch have shocked all New Zealanders.

Dame Patsy and Sir David visited the Auckland Bioengineering Institute to find out more about the cutting-edge research being undertaken there.

Commonwealth diversity and Commonwealth connections were celebrated in a wonderful gathering in the Beehive Banquet Hall this evening.

Dame Patsy delivered the Commonwealth Message from HM Queen Elizabeth: