The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

Dame Patsy and Sir David spent yesterday afternoon at Papakura Military Camp with the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment, learning more about the Regiment’s history and culture.

Government House Auckland was gifted to the Queen for the use of Governors-General by Sir Frank and Lady Mappin, who were noted horticulturalists and philanthropists.

Governor Hobson provided a naval guardship for the first Auckland regatta, and every year since, the Royal New Zealand Navy has kept  up that tradition for the Auckland Anniversary Day regatta. Today, Dame Patsy and Sir David joined the crew a

Today Dame Patsy received a call from new Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Proctor and wife Wendy Proctor.

Dame Patsy and Sir David attended the final concert of the NZ Opera School's 2019 season. The concert, "Great Opera Moments 2019) featured 20 up and coming New Zealand singers who were specially chosen to study with international tutors.

Dame Patsy and Sir David were given a special tour of the new Wildbase Recovery facility in Palmerston North.

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a function for people and organisations who have had a role in the running of Government House in Auckland over the last year.

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a second dinner to thank arts patrons for their support for New Zealand's creative sector, this time at Government House in Auckland.

Today, Dame Patsy and Sir David visited Kauri Flats School in Takanini, Auckland.

This evening Government House celebrated the arts in New Zealand with the people who help to make it possible for artists, writers and performers to develop their talent, create new works and make us think about who we are and where we ar

Heart Kids Wellington couldn't have asked for a better day to celebrate their 30th anniversary, with blue skies and sunshine the order of the day at Government House.

The sun shone for today's visit by helicopter to Waiouru, where 34 New Zealand officer cadets and 8 officer cadets from 5 other nations graduated from their commissioning course, and performed precision parade ground drills to the accompaniment of

Coco had competition for the affections of Dame Patsy and Sir David after a visit to Te Hopai Home and Hospital in Wellington this morning.

Yesterday Dame Patsy joined 800 plus women at the Bold Steps Conference in Auckland.

Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand has been supporting individuals and families for 50 years.

Dame Patsy welcomed the President of the Republic of Korea, HE Moon Jae-In and his wife HE Kim Jung-sook to New Zealand during a ceremony at Government House in Auckland.

In 1999 the Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust launched the Elliot Scholarships.

Today marks the 125th anniversary of the first general election in New Zealand where women were able to cast their vote.

The rain fell and the wind blew but the scheduled credentials ceremonies at Government House continued regardless, although in a somewhat truncated form.

Dame Patsy and Sir David were delighted to host a reception to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the New Zealand Film Commission at Government House in Wellington this evening.

Today Dame Patsy officiated at the swearing-in of the Chief Justice and a Judge of the High Court of Niue.

Dame Patsy delivered the opening address at the NZ Women in leadershop Alumnae Symposium at Victoria University today.

This morning His Excellency Sebastian Pinera, the President of Chile received a State Welcome at Government House Auckland.

Image Gallery

Some very special guests at Government House tonight for the annual dinner for Members of the Order of New Zealand (ONZ).

This evening Dame Patsy and Sir David held a reception for the 2018 Rhodes Scholarship finalists.

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a lunch for departing Heads of Mission at Government House on Wednesday.

Yesterday, Dame Patsy officiated at the Armistice Day National Ceremony at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.   The peace bell tolled, the crowd joined in two minutes' silence, then stunning dance, music and song evoked the jubilation, r

On Tuesday, Dame Patsy and Sir David laid a wreath at the New Zealand Memorial at Hyde Park Corner, accompanied by New Zealand's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, HE Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, our previous Governor-General.

On Monday, Dame Patsy and Sir David had a busy day in Oxford, where they met up with our Rhodes Scholars and caught up with their news about their studies and their plans for the future.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex received an enthusiastic welcome from New Zealanders during their recent four day visit. We've put together a selection of images by photographer Mark Tantrum that tell the story of their time in New Zealand

The successful applicants in the Waitangi Day Garden Reception ballot have been selected and emails have been sent out. Congratulations to everyone who will be joining us at Government House in Wellington next year.