The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

Nine recipients were honoured today at Government House, including Sir Robert ‘Bom’ Gillies; the last surviving member of the Māori Battalion.

Former Director-General of the Department of Conservation, Lou Sanson, received his QSO this afternoon at Government House. One of his many achievements in his eight years at DOC was overseeing the Predator Free New Zealand Strategy.

Eleven recipients were welcomed to Government House for their investiture this morning including former National President of New Zealand Red Cross, Dr Jenny McMahon.

Today, Dame Cindy presented Honours recipients with insignia recognising outstanding achievements and service. Eminent author Emeritus Professor Sir Vincent O'Sullivan received the accolade when he was re-designated from a DCNZM to a KNZM.

Dame Cindy and Dr Davies started their Anzac Day by attending the Dawn Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.

When Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei welcomed Dame Cindy and Dr Davies to Ōrākei Marae earlier this year, they presented Their Excellencies with a tukutuku panel that represents the maunga of Tāmaki Makaurau.

In honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed some familiar faces back to Government House for a dinner on the 9th of April.

Dame Cindy welcomed eight new diplomatic representatives to New Zealand today at Government House, with the return of full-scale credentials ceremonies.

This week the ICC Women's World Cup tournament is approaching its final stages.

Dame Cindy recently spent the week in Auckland, meeting with some remarkable organisations and individuals supporting their communities and fellow New Zealanders.

On Thursday, in a very special ceremony held at Government House Auckland, the Governor-General was invested as Dame of Justice of St John and installed as the Prior of St John, while Dr Davies was invested as an Officer of St John. 

Yesterday Dame Cindy hosted two events at Government House to celebrate Commonwealth Day 2022.

Today, Dame Cindy hosted a virtual credentials ceremony for three new Ambassadors based overseas.

This morning Dame Cindy spoke at an inspiring and informative virtual hui of the Aotearoa Circle, a cross-sector group that is working on developing roadmaps for a sustainable future for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed members of the Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade who achieved to the highest level their respective organisations.

This morning, Dame Cindy held credentials ceremonies for three new Ambassadors to New Zealand.

Seventy years ago, on 6 February 1952, a 25-year-old Princess Elizabeth asceded the throne, and became Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms. In this, the Platinum Jubilee year, we celebrate Her Majesty’

This year was a departure from New Zealanders’ previous experiences of our national day.

This morning Dame Cindy welcomed the 2021 recipients of the Sir George Elliot Tertiary Scholarships.

Last night at Government House, Their Excellencies enjoyed a real festive treat, with the Virtuoso Strings Orchestra playing a special Christmas concert.

The final investiture ceremony for the year saw eight recipients receive their honours across a wide range of fields, including one of our most capped Black Ferns.

This afternoon's investiture ceremony welcomed eight recipients to Government House Wellington.

This afternoon, Dame Cindy welcomed 11 further recipients to Government House for their investiture ceremony.

Renowned artist Sir Grahame Sydney KNZM, economist Suzanne Snively (Honorary DNZM) and champion freediver William Trubridge MNZM were among the extraordinary New Zealanders who received their insignia for Queens Birthday honours at this morning's invest

Ten recipients were welcomed to Government House Wellington this afternoon to receive their insignia, including former Member of Parliament Hon Ruth Dyson.

This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy had the pleasure of presenting insignia to seven recipients of Queen's Birthday Honours.

This morning's investiture ceremony honoured the service of nine New Zealanders who have helped to make New Zealand a better place through their work in various fields: in support of victims of sexual violence; secondary school sport; plant science

This afternoon at Government House Wellington, eight remarkable New Zealanders received their insignia, following their inclusion on the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

This morning eight recipients received their insignia at Government House Wellington, including National President of the Council of Women, Vanisa Dhiru.

This afternoon marked the beginning of the Wellington investiture ceremonies, honouring the 2021 Queen's Birthday New Zealand Honours recipients. Recipients came from right across the country – from Hastings to Geraldine.

After a quick trip in an NH90 helicopter, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were welcomed onto the New Zealand Army Marae, before attending the New Zealand Commissioning Course Graduation 2021 at Waiouru Military Camp.

Yesterday evening Dame Cindy and Dr Davies honoured the 18 rangatahi who recently graduated from the BGI (Wellington Boys' and Girls' Institute) Challenge for Change programme.