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.
This afternoon at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of Citizens Advice Bureau Wellington. This wonderful community organisation established its first branch in Newtown in 1974, with the purpose of providing free, confidential, and independent information and advice to anyone who needed it.
Over the past five decades, CAB has reached a number of significant milestones, including the establishment of multiple branches across Wellington, and the ongoing expansion of services to meet the evolving needs of the region. Operating with a team of seven staff members and 125 volunteers, the organisation continues to offer a no-time-constraint, face-to-face service, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to receive the help they need, regardless of their circumstances.
This afternoon at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy gave Royal assent to the Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Bill, making it an Act of Parliament.
The Bill was passed in Parliament last week with a unanimous vote, and provides a new pathway to New Zealand citizenship for a group of Samoans whose citizenship was revoked by the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982. The unanimous passing and Royal assent of this historic Bill marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Aotearoa and Samoa – and for so many whānau across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.
This morning, Dame Cindy attended and spoke at the New Zealand Red Cross Rīpeka Whero Aotearoa National Council Meeting at the Brentwood Hotel in Wellington. The Red Cross is a highly-respected, international humanitarian organisation whose work in Aotearoa spans refugee resettlement services, to disaster and emergency response – and it played a significant role in supporting communities following Cyclone Gabrielle. New Zealand Red Cross also sends delegates overseas to assist in areas where humanitarian assistance is needed, and to build capability within the wider Pacific region.
In her speech to those gathered, Dame Cindy acknowledged the importance of the work of this remarkable organisation: 'On behalf of all New Zealanders, I thank you for your commitment to caring for others and upholding their mana when they need it most.'
This afternoon at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies had the great pleasure of welcoming recipients of the 2024 Elliot Tertiary Scholarships. Sir George Elliot was an Auckland businessman and philanthropist who was particularly interested in contributing to the education of rangatahi in Auckland. This scholarship, which began in 1999, helps contribute towards the tertiary education of outstanding school leavers.
Warmest congratulations to India Haldane, Rubylee Greenwood, and Thomas Raybould for their selection as this year’s scholarship recipients. We wish you all the very best as you begin your journey into tertiary education.
