The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

Ka maumahara tonu tātou kia rātou - We will remember them.

This afternoon's investiture ceremony brought investiture week in Tāmaki Makaurau to a close.

Acknowledging more notable New Zealanders for their services to Aotearoa - including business supremo Rob Fyfe and former Split Enzer and guitar pedal inventor Paul Crowther.

Eight more New Zealanders were acknowledged for their achievements at an investiture ceremony at Government House in Auckland this afternoon.

The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Professor Dame Juliet Gerard, received her damehood this morning at Government House Auckland. Dame Juliet was appointed to the role of Chief Science Advisor in 2018, following Sir Peter Gluckman.

This afternoon New Zealand's State Memorial Service for HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was held in Wellington's Cathedral of St Paul. Dame Patsy delivered the eulogy and the Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, delivered a reading.

One of Aotearoa’s most well-known singer/songwriters, Sir Dave Dobbyn, received his knighthood today at this morning’s investiture ceremony.

Former Kiwi Ferns captain and three-time New Zealand Rugby League women’s player of the year Honey Hireme was among the recipients receiving their New Zealand honours this afternoon at Government House Auckland.

This morning six recipients were honoured at their investiture ceremony in Auckland, as well as the family of one recipient who had sadly.

This afternoon began the Auckland investiture ceremonies celebrating the New Year 2021 New Zealand honours recipients.

Dame Patsy hosted a reception for patronage organisation Sister Cities New Zealand, as they celebrated 40 years of global connection and diversity.

Dame Patsy received the credentials of the new diplomatic envoys from Thailand and Turkey at Government House in Wellington. The Guard of Honour and Maori Cultural Group were supplied by the Royal New Zealand Navy. 

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted Public Sector leaders, including Chief Executives of Government Ministries, Departments and agencies. She thanked them for their responsiveness over a particularly challenging year.

Today Dame Patsy and Sir David travelled to Manaia Marae on the Coromandel Peninsula, where Dame Patsy conferred the insignia of a knighthood on Justice Sir Joe Williams, the first Maori to be appointed as a judge in the Supreme Court.

Following on from the successful Auckland event, it was Government House Wellington's turn to host members of Sweet Louise for morning tea this week.

This morning, Dame Patsy had the privilege to welcome members to Government House Auckland for a special morning tea (extra special for one member, as it was her birthday!)

Dame Patsy took the Royal Salute and inspected the Guard of Honour at a Beat Retreat and Sunset Ceremony commemorating 175 years of the New Zealand Army at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington this evening.

Dame Patsy broke out the McNeil tartan to attend the New Zealand Pipe Band Championships in Hastings this afternoon.

Today New Zealanders who served in Jayforce were honoured at their first National Commemoration at Pukeahu, and subsequently at an afternoon tea at Government House.

This afternoon Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted an afternoon tea for the member organisations of Community Networks Wellington who worked tirelesly to support others during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

This morning the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Rt Hon Trevor Mallard came to Government House to present the Address in Reply.

The core role of the New Zealand Police in ensuring people are safe and feel safe is built on a core set of values:

This afternoon a National Remembrance Service - Ko Tātou, Tātou, We Are One - was held in Christchurch to honour those killed and injured in the Christchurch mosque terror attack two years ago.

Inzone boarders live close by to Government House Auckland and today's afternoon tea for senior students was a great opportunity to hear about the wonderful opportunities the programme offers to Maori and Pasifika students to access education and&n

Despite the demands placed on the leadership of public and private sector leaders in the Aotearoa Circle, they have continued their vital work to transform the way New Zealanders live their lives and do business, with the goal of creating

Congratulations to the three Sir George Elliot Tertiary Scholarship winners who were officially acknowledged at Government House in Auckland this morning.

Congratulations to the Graeme Dingle Foundation who celebrated 25 years of empowering our tamariki and rangatahi to have the bright futures they deserve.

Dame Patsy and Sir David visited the Auckland Art Fair this morning.

Today Dame Patsy went to Christchurch to attend the ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of the earthquake that wrought massive destruction in Christchurch and the Canterbury region. The assembled crowd honoured the memory of the 1

At the wharf at Oban, there was a quick check of our luggage by ace rat-detecting dog, Detector Gadget before we boarded the Department of Conservation vessel taking us to Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary for endangered flora and fauna.

The visit to Riverton had particular significance as Dame Patsy had recently learned of the slight to the community by Governor James Fergusson in 1874.

Day two of the visit to Southland began at the Eastern Southland Gallery in Gore, home of the extraordinary John Money Collection of African sculptures, Aboriginal paintings and objects, and works by Rita Angus.