The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

Staff and dancers past and present were invited to Government House to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Displays of costumes and other memorabilia and a birthday cake addded to the party atmosphere. 

Yesterday's engagements affirmed the theme of renewal and transformation so evident during this visit to Otautahi/Christchurch. The official opening of the new hall and classrooms at Linwood North School was cause for celebratio

The Governor-General's visit to Canterbury this week has a theme of transformation and renewal.

Yesterday 79 recruits of Wing 316 at the Police College graduated . As Patron of that Wing, Dame Patsy was delighted to congratulate the graduates and present them with their identity cards.

We were delighted to welcome students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students this morning for a tour of Government House.

It was a day of celebration for 31 young women as they received their Queen's Guide and Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards at Government House in Auckland on Saturday.

This afternoon we were delighted to host a group of young student leaders from around New Zealand who are meeting in Otaki to discuss Future Leadership, as a way to celebrate the 75th Otaki Scholar to come to New Zealand.

One of the most popular features at Government House is the collection of carved armorial bearings that hang in the hall. Every Governor-General from 1910 onwards, the date the House was built, is represented.

Yesterday Dame Patsy and Sir David had an audience with Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace.

This loaf is one of Dame Patsy's favourites. The image shows it served both baked and steamed with savoy cabbage, artichoke puree, roast pumpkin and artichoke chips but it goes well with anything.

Ingredients

1 Tbsp oil

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.