The Governor-Generals' Blog archive

Today was a busy one for Dame Patsy and Sir David with a quick trip to Auckland to open the Halberg Disability Junior Games then back to Wellington to host an award ceremony for St John.

Dame Patsy wishes to acknowledge the passing of kaumatua Lewis Moeau, QSO who was an advisor to former Governors-General Sir Anand Satyanand and Sir Jerry Mateparae.

This afternoon Dame Patsy presented awards to 26 Winston Churchill Fellows at Government House.

Speech transcript

This morning Dame Patsy was a speaker at a Waikato Women in Leadership event at Waikato University, where she spoke about gender equity and answered questions from the floor.

Speech transcript

This evening, Dame Patsy and Sir David are hosting senior members of the judiciary, including the Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias.

Speech transcript

On Friday 29 September, Dame Patsy visited the school where she spent her secondary school years - Hamilton Girls High School. Dame Patsy addressed an assembly and also took the opportunity to answer questions about her role from staff and students.

On Thursday 28 September, Dame Patsy and Sir David attended the Kudos Awards Dinner in Hamilton. The Awards acknowledge excellence in science in the Waikato region.

On Thursday 28 September, Dame Patsy and Sir David attended the Maori Women's Welfare League Conference in New Plymouth. Dame Patsy addressed the delegates, acknowledging their leadership in their communities.

Coco was much in evidence this week at Government House, photobombing a photo of Dame Patsy meeting Warrant Officers from Tonga, Fiji, Singapore and Australia and also making an appearance during the morning tea with Government House artist in residence

On Saturday 16 September, Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted the planting of two Pennantia baylisiana trees at Government House in Auckland.

All Blacks, Black Ferns and police were the thing today with an All Blacks skills and drills session being held at Government House and a trip to Counties Manukau to find out how police are reducing family harm and youth crime in their district.

Dame Patsy and Sir David visited three patronages today - discovering more about the world-leading research being undertaken at the University of Auckland Centre for Brain Research; being taken on a behind the scenes tour of Auckland Art

Dame Patsy and Sir David are spending the rest of this week in Auckland. First up, a visit to one of Dame Patsy's patronages, the New Zealand AIDS Foundation.

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David addressed the meeting of delegates from 13 member ACAP nations and observors from range nations. New Zealand is considered to be the seabird capital of the world, but also has the most endangered species.

This morning we visited a close neighbour of Government House, St Mark's School, to help them celebrate 100 years to the day since the school opened. The school has had a close relationship with Government House over the years.

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted the Sir Paul Callaghan Eureka!

Yesterday Dame Patsy and Sir David were given a brief tour of the Len Lye Centre at the Govett-Brewster Gallery in New Plymouth.

This afternoon Dame Patsy and Sir David visited the renowned gardens at Pukeiti to formally open the Rainforest Centre, where visitors can learn about the history of the gardens and walk along  elevated walkways into the rainforest.

On Thursday night, Dame Patsy presented Helen Clark with the Lifetime Acheivement award at the 2017 Women of Influence Awards in Auckland.

More photos

This afternoon, Dame Patsy received the credentials of three Ambassadors: HE Mr Marc Mullie, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium; Mr Mirza Hajric, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and HE Mr Wahidullah Waissi, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic

Dame Patsy presented Hon Jim Anderton with the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services as a Member of Parliament at a special ceremony in Christchurch yesterday.

Tonight Dame Patsy and Sir David attended the opening of The Corsini Collection: A Window on Renaissance Florence at the Auckland Art Gallery.

This evening Dame Patsy and Sir David are hosting honours recipients at a dinner at Government House.

Image gallery

The last investiture ceremony of 2017 saw 22 New Zealanders recognised for their service to their communities.

Congratulations to the 18 New Zealanders who received their insignia at Government House in Wellington this afternoon.

This morning Dame Patsy presented insignia to 18 recipients of Queen's Birthday Honours.

More images of this ceremony

It's investiture week in Wellington. Today, Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted two ceremonies to recognise the acheivements of 37 New Zealanders.

Diversity Works encourages and promotes diversity in New Zealand workplaces. On Thursday 24 August Dame Patsy attended the 2017 Diversity Awards dinner, where organisations that are leading the way are acknowledged and celebrated.

To celebrate National Poetry Day, Dame Patsy has selected three of her favourite poems.

Today Dame Patsy and Sir David received a farewell call from HE Peter Woolcott, High Commissioner of Australia. 

This morning, Dame Patsy signed the writ giving permission for the General Election to be held on 23 September. The writ is the formal authority to run the election and enables candidate nominations to open tomorrow on 24 August.