The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

This afternoon, eleven Honours recipients received their insignia from Dame Cindy at Government House.

Aktive is a charity fostering participation in sport and physical exercise for young people in Auckland.

Last night Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a special Pacific-themed reception to launch Volunteer Service Abroad’s new five-year strategy.

Acting as Administrator of the Government, the Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann accepted the presentation of the final Representation Commission report this morning at Government House.

Dame Cindy joined athletes, supporters and members of the New Zealand Olympic Committee last night for an event to mark one year until the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games begin.

Today the Ambassador of Thailand, HE Waravuth Pouapinya and the Abbot of Bodhipala Monastery, Phra Khru Buddhinyanavithet Andrew Nyanadipo presented Dame Cindy with 80 volumes of Buddhist teachings: The International Tipitaka Sajjhaya Phonetic Recitatio

Today Dame Cindy welcomed new Heads of Mission to New Zealand.

To mark Sea Sunday, Dr Davies joined the Wellington Mission to Seafarers, representatives from the Royal New Zealand Navy, and Ambassador Kira Azucena of the Republic of the Philippines at St Barnabas Church for a Sea Sunday Service.

Last night, Dame Cindy and Doctor Davies hosted a dinner to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Asia Forum and the 50th anniversary of the New Zealand-ASEAN relationship.

To begin their regional visit to Whakatāne, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies received a warm welcome from Ngāti Awa at a pōwhiri at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae.

Today, Dame Cindy had the honour of officially opening the Stand Tū Māia House in Manakau, Auckland, after being welcomed with a moving pōwhiri.

Last night, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed members of the Royal New Zealand Artillery for their traditional Gunners’ Day Dinner, in honour of the service of its members past and present.

Ka mahuta a Matariki ki te pae,

Ka mahuta o tatou tumanako ki te tau.

Mānawatia a Matariki!

To commemorate World Refugee Day, on Saturday Dame Cindy and Dr Davies joined the festivities at Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa, the Refugee Resettlement Centre in Auckland.

To commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Solicitor-General, Dame Cindy welcomed members and affiliates of Crown Law to Government House Wellington this evening.

Today Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the Prime Minister and Hon David Seymour at a ceremony at Government House Auckland.

During this morning’s investiture ceremony, eight recipients received their Royal New Zealand honours, including Professor Phillippa Poole, who received an ONZM for services to medical education.

For the final investiture ceremony of the New Year 2025 Honours, eight recipients were welcomed to Government House Auckland. Mrs Jocelyn Armstrong was recognised for services to interfaith communities.

Fashion designer Kate Sylvester received an ONZM at Government House Auckland this morning. Ms Sylvester co-founded her eponymous fashion label in 1993, which expanded to be sold in stores worldwide.

At this afternoon’s ceremony Dame Ingrid Collins received a DNZM for services to Māori, business and governance.

Professor Sir Peter Hunter was among the eight recipients recognised at Government House Auckland this morning.

For this afternoon’s ceremony, Alan Smythe received a CNZM for services to the community and philanthropy. Mr Smythe has produced fundraising events for New Zealand charities for over 40 years, raising $34 million dollars.

Producer Robin Scholes was among the eight recipients at this morning’s investiture ceremony. Mrs Scholes has produced over 25 film and television series in her career, including ‘When We Go To War’, ‘Mr Pip’ and ‘Crooked Earth’.

At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, former All Blacks coach John Hart received a CNZM for services to sports governance.

Five of the seven honours recipients at this morning's investiture ceremony were recognised for acts of bravery. Diane Hunt received the insignia of the New Zealand Bravery Decoration awarded to her son, the late Constable Matt Hunt.

For this afternoon’s ceremony, eight recipients were welcomed to Government House Auckland, including Tony Shaw, who received an ONZM for services to people with intellectual disabilities and the community.

The New Year 2025 investiture ceremonies in Auckland began today with recognition of eight outstanding New Zealanders.