Investitures at Government House Wellington concluded this morning, with twelve more recipients being honoured across a range of fields.
Dame Susan Hassall was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education. Dame Susan served as Headmaster of Hamilton Boys’ High School from 1999 until 2024 and was appointed Chancellor of the University of Waikato in 2025.
Three recipients received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Mr Barry Soper for services to journalism, Dr Leslie Van Gelder for services to conservation and dark sky sanctuaries, and Mr Rodney Wong for services to business and the community.
Five recipients were honoured with their MNZM for services to people with disabilities and wheelchair rugby, business, philanthropy, sport, Māori health, conservation, governance, seniors, and Māori.
Three more recipients received the King’s Service Medal for services to sport, and the community.
Congratulations to this morning’s recipients, and to all who been honoured throughout the week. It has been a privilege to hear your stories and we thank you for your steadfast commitment to your communities and our country.
At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony at Government House Wellington, nine New Zealanders were recognised for their outstanding service and achievements.
Dr Ron Beatson and Dr Keith Woodford received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit – Dr Beatson for services to horticulture, and Dr Woodford for services to agriculture and agribusiness.
Four recipients received their MNZM: Ms Irihapeti Bullmore for services to seniors’ health, particularly Māori; Mr Mervyn English for services to governance and the community; Ms Alison McDonald for services to translation and interpretation; and Mr Warwick Wilshier for services to the road freight industry.
Ms Becs Amundsen, Ms Hanny Naus, and Ms Norma Roberts were awarded the King’s Service Medal for their contributions to local government, the arts and community; seniors and rainbow communities; and early childhood education, respectively.
Congratulations to all of this afternoon’s recipients and their whānau.
Investiture ceremonies continued at Government House Wellington this morning, honouring eleven more recipients who have demonstrated excellence, compassion, and commitment in their respective fields.
Sir Paul Baker was knighted for services to health. Sir Paul is New Zealand’s leading authority on airway management, and has shaped clinical practice nationally and internationally.
Two recipients received honours for their contribution to the New Zealand Police: Inspector Ross Grantham received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and Inspector Nu Leifi received the insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Other outstanding New Zealanders were recognised for their contributions to the textile industry, wastewater engineering, netball and life saving, Scottish country dancing, travel health, and community welfare.
Warmest congratulations to all recipients and their whānau.
At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, twelve more recipients were acknowledged for their exceptional service and achievement.
Ms Robyn Hunt, ONZM, received the insignia of a companion of the King’s Service Order for services to people with disabilities and the arts. Three recipients received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Dr Michael Johnstone for services to education; Mr Earle Kirton for services to rugby; and Dr Fiona Pardington for services to photography.
Other outstanding New Zealanders were recognised for their contributions to documentary filmmaking, wildlife conservation and Search and Rescue, education, art, and the community.
Congratulations to all of this afternoon’s recipients and their whānau.
The New Zealand Honours system recognises those whose actions, leadership and service have had a lasting impact on our communities and country.
This morning, Government House Wellington hosted eleven more outstanding New Zealanders who were recognised in areas including writing and publishing, the construction industry, Māori science and conservation, outdoor recreation, the New Zealand Defence Force, swimming, music education, Parliament, and Coastguard and Search and Rescue.
Professor Emeritus Sir James Chapman was knighted for services to literacy education. Sir James has made significant contributions to literacy teaching and learning in New Zealand, particularly in learning disabilities and dyslexia research.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Rob Allen received the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration for services to the New Zealand Defence Force. During his secondment to the Vanuatu Mobile Force, WO2 Allen led responses to several incidents including the 2024 Vanuatu earthquake, helping save lives.
Every New Zealand Honours recipient has been nominated by someone who believed their contribution deserves to be recognised and celebrated.
At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, twelve more recipients were acknowledged for their dedication and generosity of service.
Two recipients received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Mr Jack Hodder, KC, for services to the law, and Mr Geoffrey Maber for services to agribusiness.
Four recipients received their MNZM, and six more were awarded their KSM for services to a wide range of areas, including gastroenterology, youth, Māori, writing and education, swimming, sport, nursing, rail heritage and wildlife conservation.
This morning, twelve more individuals were honoured at Government House Wellington for their exceptional service, achievement, and dedication to others.
Four recipients received honours for their commitment to Fire and Emergency New Zealand; Leota Pauga Esitone Pauga and Ms Michele Poole received the insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and Mr Ian Blunt and Mr Ted Ford received the King’s Service Medal.
Other recipients were recognised for their contributions to the agricultural industry, education, Māori language, music, health, ethnic communities, and local government. Thank you all for your lasting contribution to our communities
Investitures began at Government House Wellington this afternoon with twelve recipients honoured in a range of fields.
Five recipients received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Mr Scott O’Donnell for services to business, Mr Baye Riddell for services to Māori clay art, Mrs Archna Tandon for services to ethnic communities and women, Mr Hamish Taverner for services to people with learning disabilities, and Mrs Sharon Williamson for services to hockey.
Three recipients received their MNZM, and three more were awarded their KSM in areas of education, music, Māori mental health and addiction services, the Niuean community, and rural communities.
Professor Alan Hemmings was awarded the New Zealand Antarctic Medal for services to Antarctic law and environmental protection. Professor Hemmings has contributed more than 40 years to the areas of Antarctic science, policy, and conservation.
For 50 years, Age Concern Wellington Region has helped older people across the region stay connected, maintain their independence, and continue living full, engaged lives.
Yesterday afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted a high tea at Government House to celebrate this milestone – joined by Age Concern Wellington Region staff, volunteers, supporters, and a very special group of centenarian guests.
Reflecting on the importance of companionship and belonging, the Governor-General shared these words from American writer Parker Palmer: "The human soul doesn’t want to be advised or fixed or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed – to be seen, heard and companioned exactly as it is."
The afternoon also celebrated A Century of Stories – Age Concern Wellington Region’s project recording the voices, memories, and wisdom of people aged 100 and over, and sharing them with future generations.
Congratulations to everyone who has been part of Age Concern Wellington Region’s first 50 years.
On Tuesday night Their Excellencies hosted the NZ Kindergartens Centenary Reception at Government House. NZK is a charitable organisation grounded in Friedrich Fröbel’s educational philosophy, representing 19 Kindergarten Associations across Aotearoa.
In her speech, Dame Cindy remarked: “The seeds planted by those visionary kindergarten founders have flourished here, growing generations of capable, curious learners. I am sure every one of them holds heartfelt recollections of happy times at their local kindy, with new memories created in your centres every day.”
This afternoon Dame Cindy welcomed four further new heads of mission to Government House in Wellington, receiving their credentials and marking the start of their mandates:
HE Ms Kristina Jonek, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany
HE Mr François Decoster, Ambassador of the French Republic
HE Ms Doris Brese, High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana
HE Mr Retšelisitsoe Theko, High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho
Throughout the year, the Governor-General welcomes new foreign ambassadors and high commissioners to the country in a ceremony with a distinctively New Zealand character. Following a cultural welcome by members of the New Zealand Defence Force, heads of mission then move inside Government House to formally present their credentials (a letter from their head of state appointing them as diplomatic representative) to the Governor-General.
On this beautiful Wellington morning, Dame Cindy received the credentials for three new heads of mission, marking the start of their mandates:
HE Mr Jorge Andrés Iglesias Mori, Ambassador of the Republic of Chile
HE Jacquelien Nienhuis, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
HE Ms Samina Naz, High Commissioner of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Dame Cindy attended the Global Leaders Pōwhiri at Tūrangawaewae as part of this year’s Koroneihana celebrations – marking Her Excellency’s first Koroneihana as Governor-General.
At a spectacular gathering bringing together Kīngitanga, iwi, Pacific leaders, and guests from across Aotearoa and beyond, Dame Cindy acknowledged Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, reflecting on the example she offers to many across Aotearoa: 'I know many rangatahi – particularly young wāhine Māori – will look to you and see a model of leadership that is both grounded in whakapapa, and alive to the hopes, challenges, and possibilities of our time.'
Her Excellency also paid tribute to the late Kiingi Tūheitia, and reflected on kotahitanga as an enduring principle of the Kīngitanga and one that has guided her own term as Governor-General.
On Thursday evening, Their Excellencies hosted the launch of the Antarctic Heritage Trust's new conservation management plan. The Trust care for five major expedition bases on behalf of the global community, including Shackleton’s 1908 hut, Hillary’s hut, and Scott’s Discovery hut – all of which Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited on their trip to Antarctica last year.
Reflecting in her speech on the feeling of stepping into the historic huts, Dame Cindy remarked: ‘I found it a deeply moving experience – to stand almost literally in the footsteps of those great explorers. One cannot help wondering what was going through their minds as they anticipated the immensity of what lay before them – apprehension of course, but surely also excitement, that thrill of setting out into a truly unknowable beyond.’ You can ready Dame Cindy's full speech here: Launch of the Antarctic Heritage Trust Conservation Management Plan.
The new plan is a culmination of many years of practical research, including an informed understanding of the current challenges posed by cold climate conservation, and seeks to ensure the huts are preserved for the benefit of future generations.
As Patron-in-Chief of the Antarctic Heritage Trust, Dame Cindy was delighted to be joined by AHT Board Chair and former Governor-General Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, and AHT Patron Rt Hon Helen Clark.
This morning, Dr Davies attended the commemoration of Merchant Navy Day at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. Merchant Navy Day marks the anniversary of the sinking of the first British merchant ship, just hours after the declaration of the Second World War in 1939.
Dr Davies is the Patron of Mission to Seafarers Oceania. The ceremony honoured and remembered the seafarers who played their part in supporting our island nation through war and conflict, with particular recognition of the women who served aboard merchant vessels.
On Friday, Their Excellencies hosted an afternoon tea for staff and supporters of Te Pā at Government House Auckland. Te Pā is a kaupapa Māori organisation supporting whānau who are in the justice system, exiting the system, or are returned from overseas.
In her speech, Dame Cindy remarked: ‘your very apt name Te Pā evokes a village; a community stronghold; a home; and therefore, a place of belonging. I commend your organisation for offering these vulnerable members of our community a safe space, run by compassionate professionals who understand and accept an individual’s past, without letting it define their future.’ You can read Dame Cindy's full speech here: Afternoon tea for Te Pā.
To conclude his time in Aotearoa New Zealand, General Secretary and President of Viet Nam Tô Lâm accompanied Dame Cindy to Starkwhite Gallery in Auckland to view world-renowned photographer Fiona Pardington’s breathtaking new work.
Taharaki Skyside was presented by Fiona at the Venice Biennale 2026 and showcases photographs of New Zealand birds preserved as taxidermy specimens in museum collections. Fiona spoke to His Excellency Tô Lâm about the spiritual nature of birds in Aotearoa and our nations’ shared reverence for the environment.
Fiona’s work provided a fitting conclusion to His Excellency’s visit, as it seeks to emulate the sense of a shared horizon, allowing our two perspectives to meet across vast distance.
Dame Cindy was honoured to officially welcome General Secretary and President of Viet Nam Tô Lâm to Government House Auckland yesterday. This is the first state visit to New Zealand by a President of Viet Nam since 2007.
Viet Nam and New Zealand have been close diplomatic partners for over fifty years, and this visit was a chance to reflect upon our shared histories and future goals as nations of the Indo-Pacific region. Dame Cindy remarked upon the profound value both Viet Nam and New Zealand place on relationships built through face-to-face interaction – kanohi ki te kanohi.
Speaking of the connection between our two countries, Dame Cindy quoted the Vietnamese poet Chế Lan Viên: ‘When we stay, it is only a place to live; when we leave, the land has become part of the soul.’
The visit included a performance by opera tenor Pene Pati, accompanied by pianist Claire Caldwell.
We wish General Secretary and President Tô Lâm and his delegation all the very best for their time in New Zealand.
West Lynn Garden is a beautiful community garden in New Lynn, nurtured by generations of volunteers since it was established in 1981. Earlier this week, the Governor-General visited the Garden to continue a longstanding vice-regal tradition – planting an Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’, or Coral Bark Maple.
Though the rain made an appearance, spirits remained high as Dame Cindy joined volunteers and supporters who help keep this special place flourishing. As she reflected in her remarks: 'To plant something is to imagine a future beyond the present moment – trusting that, with patience and care, something small will take root and offer beauty, shelter, or nourishment to others.'
West Lynn Garden relies on its community of visitors, members, donors, and volunteers. If you’d like to visit, volunteer, or find out more about supporting the Garden, please visit: https://www.westlynngarden.org.nz/.
On Saturday, Their Excellencies hosted an afternoon tea to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Wellington Embroiderers' Guild.
The Guild aims to provide resources and learning opportunities to help members develop their skills, as well as promote wellbeing and social connection.
In her speech, Dame Cindy remarked ‘In this technological age where we seem to be overwhelmed with information at the touch of a button, embroidery necessitates presence and compels one to slow down and be deliberate about their time. I am heartened to hear that many of you choose to dedicate your time and skills to support our Wellington community – including providing pieces to the Wellington Children’s Hospital at Christmas time.'
Guests enjoyed both Government House embroidery and stunning examples of work by Guild members, including some of the tapestry chairs that were handstitched by community groups across the country in preparation for the visit of King George VI in 1952 (a visit he never made due to ill health), and a stunning collective artwork inspired by the 1960s for the Guild’s anniversary.
The Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga are the highest honour bestowed by The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, recognising extraordinary lifetime achievement and lasting contribution to the cultural life of Aotearoa.
Last night at Government House Wellington, the Governor-General hosted the 2026 awards and celebrated our newest Icons – Ann Robinson, Darcy Nicholas, the Topp Twins, and Witi Ihimaera – alongside Ana Iti, recipient of the Harriet Friedlander Residency.
In her speech, Dame Cindy reflected on the way great artists help us see the world, and one another, more clearly: “The title ‘Icon’ may suggest distance or grandeur. What strikes me tonight is just the opposite: the way these artists have all drawn us closer – to an idea, to this place, to one another.”
The evening also honoured Maurice Gee, Sir Donald McIntyre, Greer Twiss, and Fred Graham, whose Icon medallions were passed forward, as well as Sir Sam Neill and Dame Jools Topp.
On a beautiful winter Wellington Sunday morning, Dame Cindy joined the inaugural Mission to Seafarers service at Old St Pauls.
The Mission to Seafarers is an international organisation providing practical, emotional, and spiritual support to seafarers. The Mission has had a ministry in Wellington for more than 125 years and continues to aid those who visit the city via its ports.
The service gathered representatives from across the maritime community to give thanks to those who continue to serve at sea, and to honour the service and sacrifice of seafarers who have gone before.
Dame Cindy delivered a reading from the Recollections of Merchant Navy Apprentice John Gregson, 1924-2016. The reading spoke of the camaraderie shared between seafarers in times of war and the terrible cost they endured.
Today at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a special lunch to show her appreciation for a group whose vital work goes largely unrecognised.
From farming to bungy jumping, Standards NZ relies on hundreds of volunteers to contribute their expertise and knowledge to the development and maintenance of standards. These volunteers play a critical role in ensuring that standards are robust, relevant, and reflect the needs of New Zealand's industries, communities, and government.
In her speech, Her Excellency particularly acknowledged Standards NZ’s support for our neighbours in the Pacific, through capability building and access to standards free of charge: ‘In sharing your knowledge and expertise, you lift quality in areas such as the building industry and disaster preparedness, fostering a safer Pacific region.’
This morning, Government House Wellington played host to a very special celebration – 100 years of Rural Women New Zealand.
Rural Women New Zealand was founded in 1925, initially as a group of farmers’ wives who had gathered in Wellington for the Farmers’ Union Conference. These women realised they were all facing the same challenges; isolation, health concerns, and a lack of support. As the needs of rural women evolved throughout the twentieth century, so too did the organisation. By 1946 they had joined as the women’s division of Federated Farmers and by 1999 became the independent organisation they are known as today.
As Dame Cindy noted in her speech, 'That is not to say these women were without agency - rural communities have produced some of our most influential businesswomen, artists, authors and leaders.' You can read the full speech here: Rural Women New Zealand Centennial Celebration.
Today, Rural Women New Zealand provides networking, training and education workshops, as well as creating opportunities for connection and friendship – seeking to combat those original challenges identified by members back in 1925.
Since 1927, a Governor-General or their spouse has served as patron of Rural Women New Zealand. This is a long association which Dame Cindy is pleased to continue, and which makes this centenary celebration at Government House all the more special.
Last night, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the District Court Judges Triennial Conference in Auckland, a national gathering of judges from across Te Kōti ā Rohe o Aotearoa.
In her address, the Governor-General reflected on the vocation of judging, the responsibilities carried by the District Court, and the humanity required when people come before the courts at times of uncertainty and pain: 'Public trust is carried in the daily practice of justice – in the care given to each hearing, the integrity brought to each decision, and the relationships that sustain the courts.'
Her Excellency also took the opportunity to thank members of the District Court judiciary for their service to the law, to the courts, and to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.
This afternoon, Dame Cindy received a call from His Excellency Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, at Government House in Wellington.
The Muslim World League is an independent international organisation that brings together representatives from across the Muslim world. Its work focuses on promoting understanding of Islam and fostering friendship and cooperation among peoples.
Documentaries can help to open our minds and hearts to the experiences of others – deepening understanding, fostering empathy, and encouraging us to see the world from new perspectives.
Last week, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the opening night of the Doc Edge Festival at Wellington’s historic Roxy Cinema.
The festival brings together filmmakers, audiences, and communities through bold, thought-provoking storytelling, while celebrating the creativity, courage, and curiosity at the heart of documentary film in Aotearoa and around the world. Warmest congratulations to all involved!
Each year, Matariki offers a special opportunity to open Government House and bring people together in the spirit of reflection, connection, and renewal.
With an icy Wellington southerly howling outside, Government House was filled with the warmth of music, kōrero, kai, and manaakitanga today, as the Governor-General hosted members of the public for her annual Matariki gathering.
The afternoon began with a performance by the United Auckland Gospel Choir, before guests moved through the rooms of Government House – each themed around one of the stars of Matariki. Along the way, they had opportunities to reflect, connect, learn, and look to the year ahead. Guests also took home kai from the hāngī, prepared under the guidance of Chef Joe McLeod.
Mānawatia a Matariki – and wishing all New Zealanders a safe and peaceful time with whānau, friends, and loved ones, and a new year filled with happiness and hope.
The Homosexual Law Reform Act of 1986 marked a turning point in New Zealand’s history. It followed years of courage, advocacy, and struggle by those who fought for dignity, safety, and equal treatment under the law. Yesterday afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted an event at Government House Wellington to celebrate the Act’s 40th anniversary.
Her Excellency acknowledged the significance of the Act, which received Royal assent from her predecessor as Governor-General, Sir Paul Reeves, on 11 July 1986, and came into force on 8 August that year. In her speech to those gathered, Dame Cindy quoted Sir Paul: 'Our own dignity lies in creating dignity for others.'
The event included remarks from Dame Fran Wilde, who introduced the Bill to Parliament, and a rousing performance by The Glamaphones, Wellington’s rainbow community choir.
This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy received a call from Justine Daw, Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive of Royal Society Te Apārangi.
The Royal Society plays an important role in advancing research, scholarship, and the pursuit of knowledge across Aotearoa New Zealand. The call was also a meaningful opportunity for Dame Cindy, who served as Chief Executive of Royal Society Te Apārangi before becoming Governor-General, to acknowledge the Society’s continuing contribution to our national life.
Throughout the year, the Governor-General welcomes new foreign ambassadors and high commissioners to the country in a ceremony with a distinctively New Zealand character. Following a cultural welcome by members of the New Zealand Defence Force, heads of mission then move inside Government House to formally present their credentials (a letter from their head of state appointing them as diplomatic representative) to the Governor-General.
On this beautiful Wellington morning, Dame Cindy received the credentials for four new heads of mission, marking the start of their mandates: HE Mr Stanislav Krans, Ambassador of the Russian Federation; HE Mr Chung Byung-ha, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea; HE Mr Abu Bakar, High Commissioner of Malaysia; and HE Pedro Terra, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil.
This afternoon Dame Cindy welcomed three further new heads of mission to Government House in Wellington, receiving their credentials and marking the start of their mandates: HE Mr Benedikt Höskuldsson, Ambassador of Iceland; HE Mr Edward Pérez Reyes, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic; and Ambassador Jared Novelly of the United States of America.
