This evening, Dame Cindy hosted the launch of the Te Korowai o Taonui Charitable Trust at Government House Auckland. The Trust is a new initiative which will support young people as they transition from the Rangatahi Court system. Te Korowai o Taonui’s methods and support will be tikanga based and tailored to fit the needs of each individual.
The Trust is championed by its co-chairs, Dame Carolyn Henwood and Dame Naida Glavish; two staunch advocates for community-led support and rehabilitation programmes for youth offenders.
In her speech, Dame Cindy expressed that our community leaders have a responsibility to guide our next generation towards better outcomes, declaring: ‘Our rangatahi are our leaders of tomorrow if they are given the opportunity to be so.’
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed the recipients of the Child Cancer Foundation’s Life Membership and Star Awards to Government House Auckland. These awards recognise individuals who go above and beyond in support of the Foundation’s mission, helping tamariki living with cancer and their whānau.
The Child Cancer Foundation’s Life Membership Awards this year honour Craig Maxwell, Jackie Walsh and Dr Stephen Laughton, as well as Amanda Cleland who received a Distinguished Service Award. Two Star tamariki, Holly and Zack, were celebrated for their kindness in sharing their stories to help other children and their families navigate their own cancer journeys.
Today at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy hosted a very special investiture ceremony for Sir Trevor Clarke who was knighted for his services to business and tourism. Sir Trevor has spent 60 years in the Cook Islands and held a variety of roles, including as owner of the Cook Islands Trading Company.
Sir Trevor’s knighthood was conferred by the Cook Islands who share in the British-based honours system, making Sir Trevor a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).
Congratulations, Sir Trevor, on this wonderful achievement.
Government House Wellington hummed with energy as Her Excellency hosted a diverse group of high school students from the Strengthening Democracy project. Around 70% of colleges in the Wellington area are taking part this project which educates young people about the democratic system and encourages participation.
Following a tour of Government House, the students met with Dame Cindy to learn directly about the role of the Governor-General.
Dame Cindy implored the students to take seriously the privilege and responsibility of voting in the next general election if they’re eligible:
‘Your voices and aspirations will ensure New Zealand’s democracy will continue to serve and reflect who we are, as we advance and mature as a nation.’
Last weekend, Dame Cindy presented 83 recipients with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Awards in a very special ceremony at Government House.
The Governor-General’s involvement in this ceremony has long been a tradition, with the first Kiwi recipients receiving their Gold Awards from then Governor-General Sir Bernard Fergusson at Government House in 1965. Eight young men and one young woman were presented with their awards on that occasion – showing just how popular the award has grown in the intervening years.
Dame Cindy noted in her speech how the late Prince Philip established the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to help young people ‘discover fresh interests and make new friends, and find satisfaction in giving service to others.’ This idea was perhaps captured best by our most revered explorer and humanitarian, Sir Edmund Hillary, for whom the award was renamed to honour in 2009.
Gold Award recipients must successfully complete several tasks to a high level in the areas of skill development, voluntary service, physical recreation and adventurous journey to achieve their award.
This afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted the Community Research Te Auaha Pito Mata Awards, celebrating the impact of emerging community researchers in Aotearoa New Zealand.
These awards recognise researchers who are in the first eight years of their career, and have dedicated themselves to work that uplifts communities, strengthens knowledge, and creates positive change.
Award recipients conducted a range of research from exploring the experiences of Māori workers and collective agreement clauses, to documenting the healing journeys of wāhine from gang whānau.
Dame Cindy emphasised the deep importance of research in capturing authentic community experiences, saying: 'Like you, I know that knowledge doesn’t just exist in institutions. It lives also within our communities, through our connections with each other, and within the collective wisdom of ages.' You can read Dame Cindy's full speech here: Te Auaha Pito Mata Awards 2026.
Congratulations to all award recipients and thank you for your commitment towards creating meaningful change through research.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies travelled to Australia last week to meet with the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC.
This is Dame Cindy’s first official visit to Australia as Governor-General and the first in-person meeting between the two Governors-General, reinforcing the enduring ties of friendship enjoyed between Australia and New Zealand.
Their Excellencies began their time in Canberra with a very special Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony in Canberra. Following the ceremony, Their Excellencies met with staff from the New Zealand High Commission in Australia before enjoying a tour of the Government House grounds to see the resident kangaroos.
The following day, Her Excellency was formally welcomed to Government House and attended a State Lunch. Here, Dame Cindy reflected on the deep bond shared between our two countries, forged and maintained through the closeness of our histories, values and people.
Dame Cindy quoted from the well-known whakataukī in her speech, saying: ‘‘He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.’ And here we find the essence and foundation of our relationship – not in treaties or institutions, important though they are, but in the friendships, marriages, families, communities, colleagues, and neighbours whose lives are woven and strengthened across the Tasman every day.’
During their time in Canberra, Their Excellencies laid a wreath in the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial and placed a poppy at the Roll of Honour in memory of all Australians and New Zealanders who have served together.
They also visited the Ngura Pulka – Epic Country exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia, a stunning showcase of First Nations art, and met with staff and toured the Australian National University John Curtin School of Medical Research.
To conclude an enriching visit to Canberra, Their Excellencies then enjoyed a cultural walking tour of Mulligans Flat Sanctuary with Ngunnawal Elder Richie Allan, gaining a deep understanding of the importance of the connection to Country.
The following day, Their Excellencies travelled to Sydney to meet with Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC at Government House Sydney, before visiting Mudgin-Gal Women’s Place.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies deeply appreciated the warm hospitality and friendship extended to them during their visit; a staunch illustration of the lasting relationship between Australia and New Zealand.
To conclude a wonderful week of investiture ceremonies, eleven further outstanding New Zealanders received their Royal Honours insignia at Government House on this beautiful Wellington afternoon.
Mr Leith Comer, of Rotorua, received his CNZM for services to Māori, governance and education. As Chair of Ngāti Rangitihi, he led negotiations culminating in their Treaty Settlement and subsequently served as Chair of the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group.
Mrs Sandra Hazlehurst received an ONZM for services to local government. She was the first woman to be Mayor of Hastings District, and under her leadership, Hastings District Council has become the most awarded local authority in New Zealand this decade. Also receiving an ONZM for services to the arts and event management, Ms Suzanne Porter has been instrumental in establishing New Plymouth as a national and international destination.
This afternoon’s ceremony saw recipients receive their Honours insignia across a range of areas including insurance, Land Search and Rescue, railway heritage, and services to the Pacific community.
On this final morning of investiture ceremonies at Government House Wellington, eleven individuals were recognised for their significant contributions to New Zealand and our communities.
Professor Dame Helen Danesh-Meyer received the insignia of a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to ophthalmology. Dame Helen is an internationally recognised leader in the clinical science of interactions between the brain and the eye, and in 2023, received the College Medal – the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists’ highest award for outstanding service.
Mr Stewart Germann was awarded an ONZM for services to franchise law as the only lawyer in New Zealand qualified as a Certified Franchise Executive. Ms Val Smith ONZM is New Zealand’s most internationally capped outdoor bowls athlete, playing 667 games for our country.
Congratulations to all this morning’s recipients, your friends and families.
A further eleven inspirational individuals were honoured at Government House Wellington this afternoon, including Dame Dorothy Spotswood in recognition of more than 50 years of services to philanthropy and charitable causes.
Ms Sue Elliott was awarded an ONZM for services to the arts and governance, and Ms Judith Hamilton received her ONZM for services to rowing, including leading Rowing New Zealand's to its most successful Olympics ever in Tokyo.
This afternoon’s ceremony saw five recipients each receive their MNZM in a range of areas including fashion, health, culture, education and business
This morning’s investiture ceremony saw ten extraordinary New Zealanders receive their Royal Honours insignia, including Rt Hon Sir Trevor Mallard who was knighted for his many years of service as a Member of Parliament and as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Also recognised was Dr Richard Wild ONZM for services to the veterinary sector, including as President of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, and for his longstanding commitment to improving animal welfare across New Zealand.
A number of individuals from across the country were honoured for their services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community. Mr Don Geddes received his MNZM, notably for his five decades of volunteering with Land Search and Rescue New Zealand. Mr Lloyd Clausen, Mr Paul Harris, Mr Patrick O'Rourke, Mr Don Scott, and Mr Paul Toms each received their KSM.
Nine New Zealand Royal Honours recipients were honoured at an investiture ceremony this afternoon in Wellington, including Mr Bill Nathan who was awarded his CNZM for services to Māori, notably his six decades co-leading the Ngāti Poneke Young Māori Club. Also acknowledged was Mr Keith Wiffin, who received his KSO insignia for services to survivors of abuse in care through his staunch commitment to advocacy and seeking redress.
Mrs Ruth Shaw received her KSM for services to conservation, as well as her international literary success. Mr Jonathan Usher also received his KSM for services to the community and entertainment, including as a professional magician who regularly supports charitable causes. Warmest congratulations to all recipients.
At Wednesday morning’s investiture ceremony, eight further recipients received their Royal Honours insignia for a range of outstanding achievements and service.
Professor Bev Lawton was recognised with a CNZM for her significant services to women’s health, and Ms Julie Hart received her ONZM for services to women and victims of family violence.
Also honoured was Senior Constable Grant Watts who was presented with his MNZM for services to the New Zealand Police and youth.
Ms Rachel Taulelei was recognised with a CNZM for her services to business, Māori and governance at this afternoon’s investiture ceremony at Government House. Also acknowledged with ONZM's were Mr Ian Gardiner for services to the communications industry and mountain safety, and Mr Neville Greenwood for services to the sheep industry.
Mr Ed Cooke and Mrs Juliet Cooke were each awarded a KSM in recognition of their many years of services to music in Greytown.
This afternoon’s ceremony saw five recipients receive their MNZM in a range of areas including rugby, human rights, mental health, youth and people with disabilities.
This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy received a farewell call from Her Excellency Ms Mazita Marzuki, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to New Zealand.
Ms Marzuki supported Dame Cindy's official visit to Malaysia in October 2023, and we wish Her Excellency all the very best for the future.
Investiture ceremonies continued this morning at Government House Wellington, with twelve more inspirational individuals receiving their insignia.
Professor Sir Graham Le Gros was knighted for his considerable service to medical science. The Reverend Dr Patricia Allan, one of the first women to be ordained in New Zealand was recognised with an ONZM for services to survivors of abuse.
Other recipients were honoured for a wide range of causes including services to conservation, education, the Coastguard, rowing and Pacific communities. Warmest congratulations to all of this morning’s recipients.
Twelve remarkable New Zealanders were honoured at an investiture ceremony this afternoon in Wellington, including Sir Chris Parkin who was knighted for services to philanthropy and the arts.
Also acknowledged was Mr Donald Trott who received his CNZM in acknowledgement of his extensive services to opera. Former Black Cap Mr Martin Guptill received his MNZM for services to cricket and Professor Rod MacLeod and Mr Iain Potter each received their ONZM for services to palliative care, and services to sport and health respectively.
Commodore Andrew Brown received his New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration for his leadership during New Zealand’s response to the grounding and sinking of HMNZS MANAWANUI.
Investiture ceremonies began in Wellington this week, with Dame Cindy presenting three New Zealand Bravery Medals in a very moving ceremony. These awards are presented to recipients deemed to have displayed exceptional bravery in moments of extreme danger to preserve the lives of others.
In her speech, Her Excellency reflected on these acts of courage, saying: ‘None of us can ever know for sure how we would respond in situations of such extreme danger. Our communities are blessed to have those who step forward and intervene in times of greatest need.’
This morning at Government House, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies enjoyed a very special performance in celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Thailand.
The performers were accompanied to Government House by His Excellency, Mr Mongkol Visitstump, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand and his wife Mrs Dang Thi Thu Ha who presented Dame Cindy with a beautiful gift to mark this occasion.
Celebrations will continue on Saturday with the Thai Festival: Sawasdee New Zealand, 70 Years of Friendship open to the public at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington, hosted by the Royal Thai Embassy.
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy hosted a ceremony for graduates of New Zealand Olympic Committee Wāhine Toa Leadership Programme.
The programme was launched in 2017 to support women moving from competitive sports into leadership positions. Participants are wāhine who have participated in Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth Games and have a strong commitment to advocating for women and girls in sport. The programme aims to equip participants with leadership skills through a range of practical activities such as mentoring, residential workshops, and hearing from guest speakers.
As patron of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, Dame Cindy enjoyed meeting these inspirational wāhine and their families, and hearing about their leadership commitments and aspirations for the future.
On Thursday night at Government House Auckland, Their Excellencies hosted a very special dinner to mark the 50th anniversary of the World Wide Fund for Nature New Zealand (WWF-New Zealand).
WWF-New Zealand is a leading environmental NGO which seeks to support science-based, pragmatic solutions to ensure a sustainable future for New Zealanders and our whenua. The organisation collaborates across iwi, government, and industry to deliver practical environmental outcomes, and advocates for effective conservation policy.
This event was an opportunity to reflect on the indelible impact WWF has had on New Zealand’s environment over the past 50 years, and to acknowledge the contribution of key figures across that time.
Ko au ko te taiao, ko te taiao ko au. I am the environment and the environment is me.
The Governor-General, Her Excellency Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO, travelled to Türkiye to represent the people of New Zealand at this year’s Anzac Day commemorations.
Upon her arrival in Istanbul, Dame Cindy was honoured to meet with Bartholomew I of Constantinople, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
Her Excellency then travelled Ankara to meet His Excellency Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye. Dame Cindy thanked His Excellency the President for Türkiye’s ongoing support and generous hospitality for the annual Anzac Day commemorations. Their bilateral meeting reaffirmed the strong bonds between our two nations and the shared commitment to enhance those ties.
While in Ankara, Her Excellency also met with His Excellency Mr Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies then travelled to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where they had the honour of touring some of the significant battlefields and cemeteries. Their Excellencies were guided by Dr Andrew MacDonald, Official Historian of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association, paying their respects at Ari Burnu, Anzac Cove, Quinn’s Post, and Chunuk Bair.
In the company of the Gallipoli Historic Sites Directorate and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Her Excellency also planted a pōhutukawa tree – symbolising remembrance and the shared history of New Zealand and Türkiye.
On 24 April, Their Excellencies attended the Turkish International Service, the French National Service, and the Commonwealth and Ireland Service in Gallipoli.
The following day, Anzac Day, Dame Cindy attended the Anzac Day Dawn Service and the New Zealand National Service in Gallipoli. New Zealand and Australian Defence Force personnel conducted the moving services with utmost mana and solemnity, in honour of all those who have served both our countries with such courage, in the name of peace and freedom.
As Her Excellency remarked in her address for the National Service: 'On this day, we gather together, in bonds of friendship and remembrance, to honour those who served our countries so courageously – and those families who bore the immense burden of their loss. Such service and sacrifice continue to be felt, and remind us of the devastating, intergenerational consequences of war.'
'More than a century on from Gallipoli, the legacy of Anzac continues to evolve. That legacy challenges us to reflect not only on the sacrifice of those who served, but also on the responsibilities we carry in our own time: to be a nation that remembers, and that strives for understanding, compassion and peace.'
This morning, as dawn rose over Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington, the Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann, Administrator of the Government, addressed those gathered at our national place of remembrance. Following the service, Dame Helen enjoyed the opportunity to meet with veterans and NZDF personnel.
Later this morning, Dame Helen attended the Anzac Day National Commemoration. Both of this year's Anzac Day services at Pukeahu carried special poignancy, with the bells of the Carillon ringing out across the park for the first time in six years.
Dame Helen reflected on the meaning of this sacred day in her address: 'On this Anzac Day, as we gather before the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, we reflect on all those who have served across generations. May we honour their memory, uphold their legacy, and commit ourselves to the peace they have sought.'
The Governor-General, Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, is currently in Gallipoli, where she will represent the people of New Zealand at this year's Anzac Day commemorations.
Matariki is a time to gather and remember those we have lost, show gratitude for the present, and look towards the future. To celebrate Matariki this year, Government House Wellington will be hosting a very special themed event on Thursday 9 July 2026. Members of the public are invited to register for the ballot to be in with a chance to attend.
Guests will be hosted by the Governor-General and experience the manaakitanga of the house, enjoy hāngī prepared on site, and special performances.
The event is free to attend, with numbers strictly limited. The ballot is open to guests 18 and older, unless accompanied by an adult.
The ballot opens today, and closes Friday 15 May at 4pm. Successful entrants will be notified via email during the week of Monday 18 May.
To conclude what has been a wonderful week of investitures in Auckland, seven more outstanding New Zealanders were recognised in this afternoon’s ceremony.
Mrs Fran Hartnett, Professor Patria Hume and Dr Arif Saeid each received their ONZM. Mrs Hartnett was honoured for her significant advocacy work for people with disabilities, and Professor Hume was recognised for her services to sports science and injury prevention.
Dr Arif Saeid has worked to create better outcomes for refugees and youth, and was honoured today alongside his wife, Dr Fahima Saeid, who received her MNZM for services to refugees.
Renowned Māori educator Mr Joe Harawira received his King’s Service Order at this morning’s investiture ceremony. Mr Harawira has been instrumental in developing bilingual and Kaupapa Māori education across the Waikato region, has been a head judge at Te Matatini, and serves as kaumātua for Government House.
Former All Black Mr Eroni Clarke was presented with his MNZM for services to rugby and the Pacific community, and Mr Waihoroi Hoterene received his ONZM in recognition of services to Māori and Māori language education.
Also recognised was Distinguished Professor Paul Moughan who received his CNZM for services to science.
At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, seven more remarkable New Zealanders were honoured for their service across a range of fields.
Mr Tony Falkenstein received his CNZM for services to philanthropy and business education. Mr Falkenstein has been integral in funding and enabling international exchanges for business students at both the University of Auckland and Waikato University.
Also honoured was former White Ferns captain Ms Sophie Devine who received her ONZM for services to cricket. Ms Devine led the White Ferns to a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, to their maiden T20 World Cup title in 2024 and holds the record for the fastest ever 50 in Women’s T20 International cricket, from 18 balls.
Other recipients who were honoured for services to the community, business and women, journalism, cancer research, and the Punjabi community.
Professor Charl de Villiers received his CNZM this morning at Government House Auckland, for his considerable service to accountancy. Professor de Villiers has been instrumental in the development of sustainability reporting standards, guiding organisations and governments to adopt more rigorous reporting practices.
Ms Shirley Hooper and Mrs Lyn Lloyd each received their ONZM. Ms Hooper was recognised for her services to netball - where she has served in leadership positions both nationally and internationally – and artistic swimming. Mrs Lloyd was acknowledged for her significant contribution to the field of renal nutrition – a career which includes expertise in the nutrition management of kidney stones and the mentoring of numerous dietitians.
Four recipients received their King’s Service Medals for services to the community, rugby, the Indian community, and to Members of Parliament.
Investiture ceremonies continued at Government House Auckland this morning, with eight recipients being presented with their Royal Honours insignia.
Mr Tony Quinn received his CNZM in recognition of his significant contribution to motorsport and Mrs Kerry Nickels received her KSO for her services to the Red Cross. Mr Jack Hobbs, who was the first person to undertake systematic breeding of New Zealand native plants and was the long-serving manager of the Auckland Botanic Gardens received his MNZM.
Other recipients were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to corporate governance, Pacific art, heritage preservation and the community.
Six more inspiring New Zealanders received their Royal Honours insignia at an investiture ceremony this afternoon in Auckland.
Recipients included Dr Bruce Hayward who received his CNZM in recognition of his significant contribution to the field of micropaleontology. Professor Dr Jens Mueller received his ONZM for his extensive service to education.
Also acknowledged were recipients who have made remarkable contributions to the fields of business, humanitarian aid, sport, governance, orienteering, and the community.
The Governor-General was honoured to officially welcome The Honorable Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, to Government House Auckland this morning – the first official visit by a Palauan President to Aotearoa New Zealand.
This very special occasion provided an opportunity to recognise our shared Pacific histories and values, and the visit reflects the warm and meaningful relationship between New Zealand and Palau – both nations committed to the peace, prosperity, and wellbeing of our Blue Pacific region.
Wishing President Whipps and his delegation all the very best for their time in New Zealand.
This afternoon, in a very moving ceremony at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy presented New Zealand Bravery Medals to five extraordinary New Zealanders – for their acts of exceptional bravery, in moments of extreme danger, to preserve the lives of others.
Her Excellency remarked on the importance of the ceremony in her speech: 'As Governor-General, I welcome this opportunity to salute your bravery, to express my sincerest gratitude and respect, and to assure you that your efforts will not be forgotten.'
