The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

This morning's investiture ceremonies at Government House Auckland featured a new format in light of the current rules around the size of gatherings and social distancing.

Some of the most popular items in Government House Wellington are the needlepoint chairs surrounding the dining table in the Norrie room.

The Governor-General's role in the election process included the signing of a proclomation dissolving Parliament and yesterday, the signing of the writ and associated documents, directing Alicia Wright, the Chief Electoral Officer to hold a general elec

The Waitangi Day Garden Reception has become something of a highlight in the Government House calendar. Unfortunately event planning in the Covid-19 era requires us to do things differently, so there will be no public ballot for next year's event.

An act of remembrance was on the 15th of August by the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, to mark the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Tours of Government House have been suspended due to Level 2 restrictions.

Heather and Owen look forward to seeing you when we return to Level 1.

Congratulations to the six honours recipients who received their insignia at an investiture ceremony in Queenstown this afternoon.

Sporting excellence was one of the themes for today's investiture ceremony held in Christchurch.

Dame Patsy and Sir David received a warm welcome at the Canterbury Refugee Resettlement and Resource Centre in Christchurch this morning.

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted representatives from government agencies that are engaged in the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yesterday Dame Patsy hosted an afternoon tea for Eric Barlow, who has retired as a duty policeman at Government House Auckland after 28 and a half years of service.

Dame Patsy spoke at the Commissioning ceremony for the HMNZS Aotearoa at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland yesterday.

The final investiture ceremony for this Auckland round saw six notable New Zealanders recognised for their contributions across a range of spheres.

There was a real focus on positive work within communities at the penultimate investiture ceremony at Government House Auckland to celebrate New Year honours recipients.

Today we recognised some of our netball coaching greats at Government House Auckland, with current Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua, DNZM, and former Silver Fern Margaret Forsyth, ONZM receiving their honours.

Professor Sir Bob Elliott, of Auckland, KNZM for services to medical research

Professor Sir Bob Elliott was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1999 for his services to medical research.

This morning Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted members of the Good Deed Group, whose members are all immigrants from Iraq.

Radio and television icon Karyn Hay, ONZM was among the recipients during the investiture at Government House Auckland on the 24th of July. Hay was recognised for her contribution to broadcasting and the music industry.

Another great Kiwi Olympian was recognised this afternoon during the investiture ceremony at Government House Auckland, with Lauren Boyle recieving an MNZM for services to swimming. 

This morning's investiture ceremony in Auckland saw recipients recognised for their contributions victim advocacy, athletics, the deafblind community among others. 

This afternoon's investituture ceremony at Government House Auckland recognised achievements in the entertainment industry, scientific research and some true pillars of their community. 

Congratulations to this morning's investiture recipients recognised for their achievements in their communities and across the country.

Today's investiture ceremony in Auckland followed the format of the Wellington investitures, with five honour recipients enjoying high tea with their family and friends.

International choreographer and dancer Parris Goebel was one of nine recipients who received their insignia at an investiture ceremony at Government House today.

This afternoon's investiture ceremony acknowledged the contributions of mountaineer Shaun Norman (ONZM); community health advocate Naomi Cowan (MNZM); senior citizens advocate Geoff Pearman (MNZM); clay-shooter Ewen Pirie (MNZM); Samoan rugby stalwart I

This afternoon's investiture ceremony recognised eminent educator Roger Moses (CNZM); pioneer intensive care specialist Dr Edward Ward (CNZM); early childhood educator Amanda McIntosh (ONZM); historian, philanthropist and promoter of children's literatu

This afternoon's investiture ceremony for nine recipients of New Year honours included Dame Anna Crighton, recognised for her committed advocacy for New Zealand arts, culture and heritage and Sue Kedgley, ONZM, whose career has included roles in the Uni

Contributions to dance and theatre, gymnastics, science and conservation, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the New Zealand Defence Force were among the fields regognised at Friday's investiture ceremony for the New Year 2020 Royal Honours recipie

Contributions to endocrinology and the transgender community; aviation and conservation; health, particulalry nursing; language education and NZ-Germany relations; science education; the community; governance and hospitality and youth were recognis

Contributions to health, Māori art and culture, the Anglican Church, the Pacific community, biodynamic agriculture, seniors and ITC education were recognised at the first investiture ceremony for the New Year 2020 Royal Honours recipients.