The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

This afternoon Dame Patsy officially opened the 2018 Halberg Games, where 150 physically disabled and visually impaired young athletes have come together from around New Zealand to compete in 20 different sports.

*** Update 8 October: The ballot has now closed. Thanks to everyone who entered. We'll let everyone know whether they've been successful or not by November 1st. ***

Last Saturday night, New Zealand designers gathered to honour their peers at the Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards.

There's a lot more to art crime than just stealing paintings. Looting, forgery, war crimes and the murky details of provenance were all on the agenda at ArtCrime2018:The Symposium in Wellington today.

Yesterday marked 125 years since the passing of the Electoral Act 1893, which enabled women to vote in Parliamentary elections for the first time.  To celebrate that victory, and New Zealand's pioneering role in women's suffrage, Dame Patsy ho

This week we are celebrating the 125th anniversary of the passing of legislation which enabled New Zealand women to vote in Parliamentary elections.

Dress up was the theme for the Dress for Success Wellington reception, hosted by Dame Patsy at Government House in Wellington.

It was a case of hello and goodbye today at Government House. Coco watched on as Dame Patsy and Sir David welcomed the latest Matairangi Mahi Toi - Massey Artist in Residence to Government House.

Last night, Dame Patsy congratulated the New Zealand Olympic Committee for promoting leadership roles for women in New Zealand sports organisations.

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted the Sir Paul Callaghan Eureka! Young Science Leaders Forum in association with the Eureka! Awards at Government House in Wellington.

We gained a new appreciation of St John's work today during our visit tuo its Auckland Headquarters.

Last night Dame Patsy hosted a reception for members of the Consular Corps in Auckland.

Image Gallery

Governors-General have a long association with the Northern Club and today Dame Patsy and Sir David were invited to a lunch where Dame Patsy spoke about her goals during her term of office and answered questions about our constitutional arrangements.

Winners of the 2018 White Camellia Awards this evening were Westpac, ANZ, Sovereign and Ebborn Law.

This is the 27th year of the Wallace Art Awards, and it's bigger than ever, attracting over 400 entries.

Dame Patsy made two visits to Christchurch this week.

Dame Patsy hosted credentials ceremonies for the diplomatic envoys from Russia, the Netherlands, Ireland, Pakistan and Laos at Government House in Wellington.

Yesterday Dame Patsy and Sir David paid a visit to Kaibosh Food Rescue, which collects and distributes food to over 65 charities around Wellington.

Comgratulations to the 45 young women who received their Queen's Guide awards at Government House at the weekend. Well done and best of luck for the future.

Queen's Guide Award photos

Dame Patsy and Sir David visited Rocket Lab in Auckland and it was just as cool as you'd imagine.

Dame Patsy and Sir David welcomed the President of the Republic of Poland, HE Andrzej Duda and Agata Kornhauser-Duda at Government House in Auckland.

Last night, Scottish Country Dancing enthusiasts came from around New Zealand to attend a ball to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the New Zealand branch of the Scottish Country Dancing Society.

The theme of the day was aviation as Dame Patsy and Sir David officially opened the  New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy then headed to Ohakea for a welcome at RNZAF Turangawaewae and then a tour of No 14 and No 3 Squa

The second day of the Whanganui visit started with a trip to the Gonville Community Library to meet the Gonville knitting group. Dame Patsy also read a story to a group of pre-schoolers.

Dame Patsy and Sir David's first day in Whanganui began with a powhiri at Putiki marae which was followed by Dame Tariana Turia's investiture. The day finished with a visit to Glassworks and a chance to play with glassmaking techniques

Our thanks to the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame for forwarding images from the Gala Dinner on 27 July, which acknowledged New Zealanders who have made outstanding contributions to New Zealand business: Tony Nightingale, Alan Gibbs, James D