For the final day of Dame Cindy and Dr Davies regional visit to Te Tai Tokerau, they received a very warm welcome with a pōhiri at Te Ahu Centre, which included iwi representatives, and Far North Mayor Moko Tepania. Students from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rangi Āniwaniwa gave a wonderful waiata tautoko in support. After the pōhiri, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies planted a pōhutukawa to commemorate the visit to Te Tai Tokerau.
Next they visited the dedicated volunteers who give their time and aroha at a foodbank established by the Far North Community Foodbank Trust in Kaitaia. They are standing next to seven days' worth of supplies for a client. People across the Far North region are referred to the Foodbank, which provides food parcels and essential household items. There is increasing demand for the goods supplied by the Foodbank, which is largely dependent on donations.
The very final stop in Kaitaia was at Rakau Ora, where Dame Cindy and Dr Davies met the good people who are providing free, urgent mental health care for people in Kaitaia. The staff are professionally qualified and are also able to bring their own lived experiences in assisting people who have addiction and mental health issues. A tattoo removal service and needle exchange are available, and a drop in hub allows people to come by at any time.
When Kaikohe whānau Clara and Manga Aperahama-Kopa realised there was no school in the Kaikohe area that could cater for their son, Manga, who was born with a rare brain disorder, they turned the family home into a te reo immersion ECE where he and other tama ariki would be able to learn alongside tamariki. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the now hugely successful kura this morning, to meet Manga (affectionately known as Mungzy) and his friends at Te Puna Reo o Manga Tangaroa. The students put on a concert to welcome Dame Cindy and Dr Davies, before showing giving a tour of the kura, where tamariki Māori of all abilities can find a place to learn. The kura has since gained nation-wide attention, with their own show ‘Super Kura’ on Whakaata Māori.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies next visited the Peru Packhouse – a Mahinga Kai specialising in growing peruperu potatoes. To determine when to plant and harvest the peruperu, Moana Timoko and her partner Tahu Warmington use ngā taka o te marama, which is a traditional Māori lunar calendar. Five years ago, they started with 1000 peruperu seeds, now they have around three million in their seed bank. They encourage the wider community to come and work in the mahinga kai to learn these traditional gardening techniques, and to take home some peruperu for themselves.
Their work extends beyond kai, too. Tahu is a self-described “mad scientist”, and has turned the peruperu into gas for the motorbikes they use on-site, into spirits for drinking, and into alcohol disinfectant.
The last stop for Dame Cindy and Dr Davies in Kaikohekohe was to visit the Te Kohekohe Community Housing development, which was built in partnership between Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi and the council. One of the main drivers for this development came from Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi, who were treating patients for respiratory illnesses caused by cold, damp homes. To treat the cause, they partnered with Far North Holdings, a trading and asset management branch of the Far North Council, to build 60 warm and affordable homes for people in need. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies met with some tenants at Te Kohekohe, and heard about the future plans for further safe, affordable housing in the area.
Day two of the regional visit to Te Tai Tokerau began with Dame Cindy being interviewed by the Luke Bird, Marica Hopa and Phoenix Ruka – hosts of E Ara E Mara on Ngāti Hine FM, followed by a breakfast with Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocorullo and Deputy Mayor Phil Halse.
Next, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited Te Kura o Otangarei to learn more about the kura’s involvement with the I Have A Dream programme. This initiative pairs students – or dreamers – with a navigator, who becomes a positive role model for the student. The navigators support the dreamers from when they begin school, right through to tertiary study. After the students at Te Kura o Otangarei led a mihi whakatau to welcome Dame Cindy and Dr Davies, they took part in some activities with the dreamers and the navigators, and were also gifted some classic red bands personalised by the students.
Next, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies experienced their very first journey as crew in a waka tētē. Renowned waka hourua captain Jolene Busby was on board to direct the crew, which included students from Te Kapehu Whetu Kura. The hour-long journey on the calm waters of Hātea River started and ended at Whangārei Marina, and provided opportunities for Dame Cindy and Dr Davies to practise vital skills such as paddling, keeping time with other kaihoe, and bailing water out of the waka. Mid point was in front of Te Kapehu Whetu Kura, where the assembled students performed haka and sang waiata.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies began a regional visit to Te Tai Tokerau today, and were welcomed to the region with a stirring pōhiri at Terenga Paraoa Marae in Whangārei. In her speech, Dame Cindy reflected on her strong connections to the area, and to the people of Te Tai Tokerau.
“My story begins with the connections I share with you, and which have sustained me throughout my life. I am grateful for the aroha and support I have received over the years, and I am so proud to be the first Governor-General from Te Tai Tokerau.”
After a warm welcome at Terenga Paraoa Marae, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the Wairau Māori Art Gallery and the Hundertwasser Gallery. The Wairau Māori Arts Gallery is the first dedicated public art gallery for contemporary Māori art, with exhibitions changing every three months. The current exhibition, Toka Tū, consists of artists who have been teachers and pillars of their community for decades. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies also visited the Hundertwasser Gallery, which showcases the work of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who lived and worked in Northland from the 1970s till his death in 2000.
The next engagement of the day was the Hihiaua Cultural Centre, which sits alongside the Hātea River. The centre is designed to be a place to reclaim, restore, and renew Māori identity and culture, with stage one of the centre functioning predominantly as a whakairo and arts space. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies learned more about the stage two plans for Hihiaua, which will feature an indoor/outdoor performance space. While Hihiaua champions toi Māori, all cultures are welcome and celebrated at this centre.
The final engagement of the day ended on a melodic note, with Dame Cindy and Dr Davies heading to Pehiāweri Marae to join their weekly Waiata Joy session. Waiata Joy is open all ages and abilities – anyone who would like to give waiata a go is welcome. The group is skillfully led by Joby Hopa, who is a tutor for the renowned Hātea Kapa Haka group.
This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a reception for Community Networks Wellington and representatives of their member organisations from across the region's community and social sector. The reception offered an opportunity for CNW, and for the Governor-General, to thank all those present for their work to support the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our communities.
As Her Excellency remarked in her speech, quoting the words of the whakataukī: ‘Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not far apart.’
Following Her Excellency's time at the Cholmondeley Children's Centre, Dame Cindy attended another significant community event – the opening of the new Canterbury Coastguard building in Lyttelton. This state-of-the-art facility replaces the Coastguard’s previous headquarters, which were badly damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes and demolished in 2020.
For nearly 50 years, the Canterbury Coastguard has been providing support to fellow boaties and other recreational users of the Lyttelton Harbour and Canterbury coast. In Lyttelton, the Coastguard is supported by 24 volunteer crew members, who are out on the water most weekends and public holidays, and on call 24/7.
This morning in beautiful Governors Bay, Dame Cindy attended the Cholmondeley Children's Centre's 100th birthday celebration. Hugh Heber Cholmondeley gifted the land and original Cholmondeley House to the children of the Banks Peninsula area in 1925 in memory of his late wife Margaret. The current, purpose-built centre opened in 2015, and offers respite care to tamariki aged 5-12 in times of family stress or crisis.
As Her Excellency remarked in her speech: 'This extraordinary achievement stands testament, not only to the generous and deeply caring vision of Hugh Heber Cholmondeley, but also to all of the staff, supporters, and volunteers who have worked to uphold that vision over this past century.'
This evening Dame Cindy and Doctor Davies hosted a reception launching the Seeing Streets Differently campaign for Blind Low Vision NZ. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the barriers and hazards blind and low vision people face when they try to navigate their way in our streets. Ultimately, Blind Low Vision NZ would like to see consistent standards applied across New Zealand. Guests at tonight's reception were invited to wear glasses that replicated a variety of vision impairments, and then experience moving around a room with the aid of a guide.
Last night, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a dinner in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Council for International Development. The Council's 96 members help Aotearoa to meet its responsibilities for international development and humanitarian aid. Dame Cindy noted that in these challenging and uncertain times, the demands on their services will undoubtedly increase, and the support of the Council and its advocacy for NGOs and the people they work for, will be more vital than ever.
To commemorate Commonwealth Day, Dame Cindy attended a ceremony at Parliament, featuring performances by Teina Mai Sasa’e Wellington East Girls College Pacific Group, and Natraj School of Dance.
Dame Cindy delivered a message from His Majesty King Charles III, which reflected on this year’s Commonwealth Day theme – together we thrive.
In his message, His Majesty noted: “In these uncertain times, where it is all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength and an opportunity for learning, the Commonwealth’s remarkable collection of nations and peoples come together in the spirit of support and, crucially, friendship.”
This afternoon at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted the Caring Families Aotearoa Excellence in Foster Care Awards – a very special event recognising fourteen extraordinary caregivers for their commitment and manaakitanga, not only to the foster children in their care, but also to their wider communities.
As the Governor-General remarked in her speech: 'I know that many of you receiving awards today might feel you are not worthy of any kind of recognition. I wish to insist on the opposite: I can think of few more deserving of acknowledgement and thanks for the work you do, and the deepest care you show to these most vulnerable members of our society.'
This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy received a call from Kerensa Johnston, Marie-Chanel Berghan, and Professor Tahu Kukutai from Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga.
NPM is New Zealand's only Māori Centre of Research Excellence, whose mission is to support and enhance Māori academia, to help build the foundations for successful and flourishing Māori futures.
On what was the perfect day for bird watching, Dame Cindy joined the Pūkorokoro Miranda Naturalists’ Trust today to celebrate 50 years of study, advocacy and protection of shorebirds on the Firth of Thames. New Zealand is part of the East Asian Australasian Flyway, which is one of the world’s largest migratory flight paths. Pūkorokoro is a significant landing spot on this flyway, with around 6-8,000 birds making their way there each year. Over the past 50 years, the Pūkorokoro Miranda Naturalists’ Trust have been part of an international group of researchers and citizen scientists dedicated to studying these remarkable animals, and to protecting the shorebirds’ natural habitats along the flightpath. Their studies have found shorebirds hold the distinction of making the longest non-stop migration by any animal, with the bar-tailed godwit capable of flying over 13500 kilometres.
To celebrate this significant anniversary, the Trust was joined by some of their supporters, Ngāti Pāoa, the Department of Conservation, and members of the diplomatic corps from other countries in the East Asian Australasian Flyway.
This afternoon Dame Cindy marked the 25th anniversary of Rare Disorders New Zealand by hosting a reception and presenting awards to four individuals who have made outstanding contributions as advocates for the rare disorder community in New Zealand. Dame Cindy also congratulated RDNZ for its role in the development of New Zealand’s first national strategy for rare disorders. The strategy addresses issues such as early diagnosis, coordinated healthcare, disability support, appropriate medication, research, and workforce training.
Last night at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy hosted the Southern Seabirds Trust Seabird Smart Awards, recognising Greg Summerton, Rosa Edwards, and John Ellwood for their outstanding work to reduce harm to New Zealand seabirds from fishing, and foster seabird-safe fishing practices.
In her speech, Dame Cindy acknowledged each of the three award recipients, as well as the Trust itself, for 'the positive actions you’ve taken, the skill and insight you’ve demonstrated, and, in turn, the deep care you’ve shown for New Zealand’s seabird life.'
Last night at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a reception for attendees of the 2025 Pacific Judicial Conference – a high-level regional meeting of chief justices and judges from Pacific Island nations and around the world.
In her speech, Dame Cindy acknowledged the immense responsibilities borne by leaders and members of the judiciary in undertaking their duties, quoting the whakataukī: 'Ka kuhu au ki te ture, hei matua mō te pani. I seek refuge in the law for it is a parent to the oppressed.’
This Waitangi Day, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were warmly welcomed by Ngāi Tahu to Ōnuku Marae on the beautiful Banks Peninsula – the historic site where Ngāi Tahu rangatira, Iwihau and Hone Tīkao, signed the seventh sheet of Te Tiriti o Waitangi on 30th May 1840.
In her annual Waitangi Day Address, Dame Cindy acknowledged the tupuna of Ngāi Tahu, the profound impact of Tā Tipene O’Regan’s leadership, and the importance of our rangatira for the future of Aotearoa New Zealand: ‘I urge us to do all we can to empower them – to be examples in the way we conduct ourselves; to hold onto our own youthful sense of hope and purpose; and to be there for each other, in the spirit of understanding, goodness, and grace with which our Treaty was signed, here, 185 years ago.’
For their final engagement in Northland, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted members of the Diplomatic Corps for a luncheon in Kororāreka today. This occasion is an opportunity for heads of mission representing countries from around the world to learn more about the history of Waitangi, and its significance as our national day.
Tonight Dame Cindy opened a landmark exhibition, He Kura Toi Tangata at Te Kōngahu Waitangi Museum, which honours 50 years of work by the Waitangi Tribunal. The Tribunal was established in 1975 to enable Maori to lodge claims concerning breaches of their rights under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The exhibition chronicles the evolution of the Tribunal through memorable photographs and documentary film. In her speech Dame Cindy acknowledged the claimants who toiled for years, often at great personal cost, in their efforts to seek redress. She thanked members of the Tribunal, past and present, and researchers and staff, for their contributions to the Treaty Settlement process and to our nation’s historical record.
This morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended a meeting of the Waitangi National Trust Board at the Treaty Grounds. The Waitangi National Trust Board consists of members with historic links to the Treaty Grounds, and are responsible for administering the site.
Tonight Dame Cindy and Dr Davies joined members of the National Iwi Chairs Forum at a barbeque in Waitangi, where the Forum is holding one of its annual meetings.
This afternoon, Dame Cindy and the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding were treated to a rousing powhiri at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Dame Cindy reflected on the complex legacy of the Grounds, the role it has played in growing the relationship between tangata whenua and tangata tiriti, the part New Zealanders play in its ongoing legacy, and her hopes for future generations.
In Tāmaki Makaurau today, Dame Cindy accepted the letters of credence for six new diplomatic heads of mission to New Zealand. Welcome to HE Sheikh Sabah Naser Humoud Almalik Alsabah, Ambassador of Kuwait; HE Mr Alon Roth-Snir, Ambassador of Israel; HE Mr Walpita Gamage Sampath Prasanna, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka; HE Dr Gábor Tamás Nagy, Ambassador of Hungary; HE Mr Encho Dimitrov, Ambassador of Bulgaria; and HE Ms Camilla Solomon, High Commissioner of Nauru. The Guard of Honour and cultural group at today’s credentials ceremony are members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the bugler from the Royal New Zealand Navy.
To commemorate Auckland Anniversary Day, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies joined members of the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Auckland Anniversary Regatta for a luncheon at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, in honour of the iconic Auckland event. The Auckland Anniversary Regatta is New Zealand’s longest continually running sporting event, and is also one of the largest single-day regattas in the world. Auckland’s first regatta was an impromptu race held on 18 September 1840, moving to Auckland Anniversary Day in 1842.
This afternoon at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy authorised the appointment of Mr James Meager to the Executive Council. Mr Meager was joined by colleagues and supporters for the very special ceremony, and will be appointed to his new ministerial portfolios tomorrow.
Before bidding the Chathams farewell, Dame Cindy and Doctor Davies found time to go to Ohira Bay on the northwest coast of Rekohu to see a unique geological feature of the island. The bay is ringed with extraordinarily uniform basalt columns, forged by cooling lava millions of years ago. The extremely hard rock was invaluable to Moriori, who developed the skills required to shape it into adzes.
The first call today was to Kōpinga Marae, where Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were welcomed by Ricki Hapi and Moriori elders. The marae is the centre of the revival of Te Re Moriori, cultural practices and traditions, and promotes the Moriori message of peace.
Rana Solomon accompanied Dame Cindy and Dr Davies to see a statue of her ancestor Tommy Solomon, located on the south-eastern tip of Chatham Island. Tommy Solomon’s descendants erected the statue in memory of all Moriori.
A visit to the Chatham Islands Health Centre brought back memories for Dr Davies, who spent some years as a Medical Officer on another remote island location, the Falkland Islands. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies met Dr Rex Yule, Principal Nurse Sally Lanauze, and nurses and administrators.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies issued an open invitation to Chatham Islanders to attend a community lunch at the Den, and enjoyed meeting as many people as they could.
The afternoon provided opportunities to learn more about life on the Chathams with a visit to the Chatham Islands Museum, and discussion with council staff and councillors.
To read Dame Cindy's speech at the Kopinga Marae, go to this link Kopinga Marae .
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies are in Rēkohu/the Chatham Islands for a two-day visit. This morning's weather was perfect for the powhiri at Whakamaharatanga Marae, hosted by representatives of Ngati Mutunga and Hokotehi Moriori Trust. Their Excellencies then visited Te One School to meet many of the children who live on Chatham Island. Dame Cindy attended a Q and A session with senior students, while Dr Davies was escorted by junior children to see a magical 'wilderness area' of tree-huts, swings and bush trails. After experiencing the tranquility of the renowned Admiral Garden created by Lois and Val Croon, they travelled north to the site of an ancient Moriori village, where they were escorted by Ricki and Cody Hapi, from the Hokotehi Moriori Trust, to see rakau momori in an imposing grove of kopi trees.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies received a farewell call from His Excellency Mr Tom Udall, Ambassador of the United States of America, and Ms Jill Cooper this morning at Government House Wellington. In a serendipitous piece of timing, the call included a very special mihi of recognition and thanks led by Associate Professor Te Kawehau Hoskins, Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori, and her team at the University of Auckland.
We thank Ambassador Udall and Ms Cooper for their significant contributions to the relationship between New Zealand and the USA during their time in Aotearoa, and wish them all the very best in their next chapter.
Last night at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a festive dinner for the Vice-Chancellors of New Zealand's universities – thanking them for their leadership of our tertiary institutions, and wishing them well for the new academic year.
Last night at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi 2024 Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga. Established in 2003, these awards are the Foundation's highest honour – bestowed to a living circle of 20 New Zealand artists for their lifetime achievements and contributions the arts.
The two newest Icon Award recipients were Tā Pita Sharples – treasured Māori cultural leader, educator, and composer; and Neil Finn – one of the country's most highly-acclaimed musicians. The Harriet Friedlander Residency recipient, also acknowledged last night, was Ayesha Green – a visual artist from Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Dame Cindy spoke of the abiding importance of the arts in her speech: 'We live in increasingly uncertain times, and it is through the arts that we receive the profound comfort of knowing we're not alone; a reminder of the too-often-neglected truth of just how much we share.'
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies had the pleasure of hosting His Excellency Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, and First Lady Madam Eva Pavlová at Government House Wellington today. President Pavel and Madam Pavlová are coming to the end of a five-day official visit to New Zealand, attending events in Auckland and in Wellington. This marks the first visit to Aotearoa by a President of the Czech Republic since 1995.
