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  • The Governor-General
    • Biography of The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO
    • Biography of Dr Richard Davies
    • Media statements
    • Speeches by The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro
    • The Governor-General's blog
  • Office of the Governor-General
    • Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
      • About the Coronation service
      • The King of New Zealand
      • Get involved
      • Coronation events
    • Roles and functions of the Governor-General
      • Constitutional role
        • New Zealand’s Constitution
        • Credentials ceremonies
        • The Executive Council
        • The Reserve Powers
        • The Royal prerogative of mercy
      • Ceremonial role
        • Investiture ceremonies
        • New Zealand Royal Honours
      • Community role
      • International Role
    • Conditions of Appointment
      • Administrator of the Government
      • The Governor-General Act
      • The Governor-General's Flag
    • History
      • New Zealand's Governor-General - an historical perspective
      • Former Governors-General
    • Invitations, patronage and cards
      • Invitations for the Governor-General
        • Dress code for Government House events
      • Hosting the Governor-General
      • Order of precedence in New Zealand
      • Applying for vice-regal patronage
      • Current Vice-regal patronages
      • Congratulatory messages
    • Contacting the Governor-General
      • Guidance for writing to the Governor-General
    • Official portraits
    • Royal Commission Reports
  • Government House
    • Government House Wellington
      • Government House tours
        • Accessibility Information
        • Education tours
        • Group tours
        • Upcoming public tours
      • Rooms of Government House
        • Bledisloe Conservatory
        • Blundell and Porritt Rooms
        • Fitzroy Room
        • Galway and guest suites
        • Liverpool Room
        • Main Hallway
        • Maota Ariki
        • The Ballroom
        • The Council Room
        • The Landing
        • The Norrie State Dining Room
        • The Taupaepae
      • Artwork and artifacts
        • Carved coats of arms
      • Government House centenary
      • Government House conservation
        • Conservation rationale
        • The project in detail
    • Government House Auckland
      • Government House Auckland garden tours
        • Group garden tours
        • Upcoming public garden tours
      • Planning your visit and accessibility
      • History of the gardens
    • Other Government Houses
    • Staff at Government House
      • Management of Government House
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  1. Home
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  3. The Governor-General's blog

The Governor-General's blog

The official blog of the Governor-General of New Zealand

  • Caring Families Aotearoa Excellence in Foster Care Awards 2025

    Post date:
    Friday, 7 Mar 2025
    Category:
    Feature
    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.'
     
    Dame Cindy with all recipients
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    You can find more images from the ceremony via the Caring Families Aotearoa Excellence in Foster Care Awards 2025 image gallery, and read Dame Cindy's full speech via Her Excellency's address for Caring Families Aotearoa Excellence in Foster Care Awards 2025.

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  • Call from Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga

    Post date:
    Thursday, 6 Mar 2025
    Category:
    Feature
    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.
     
    Kerensa Johnston, Dame Cindy, Marie-Chanel Berghan, and Professor Tahu Kukutai from Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga
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  • The 50th Anniversary of the Pūkorokoro Miranda Naturalists’ Trust

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 4 Mar 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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. 

    For more pictures, click here: Pūkorokoro Miranda Naturalists’ Trust Media Gallery.

    Taking flight
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  • Rare Disorders New Zealand Reception

    Post date:
    Friday, 28 Feb 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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. 

    To read Dame Cindy's speech, go to this link Rare Disorders New Zealand 25th anniversary.

    To see images from the event, go to this link Rare Disorders New Zealand 25th anniversary.

     

    Dame Cindy and John Forman
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  • Southern Seabirds Trust Seabird Smart Awards

    Post date:
    Thursday, 13 Feb 2025
    Category:
    Feature
    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.'
     
    Dame Cindy meeting the Supreme Award recipient Greg Summerton
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    You can find out more about the Southern Seabirds Trust and its wonderful work via this link, read Dame Cindy's full speech via Her Excellency's speech for the Southern Seabirds Trust Seabird Smart Awards, and find more images from the ceremony via the Southern Seabirds Trust Seabird Smart Award image gallery.

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  • 2025 Pacific Judicial Conference

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 11 Feb 2025
    Category:
    Feature
    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.’
     
    Dame Cindy meeting a member of the delegation
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    You can find more images from the event in the 2025 Pacific Judicial Conference image gallery, and read Dame Cindy's speech via Her Excellency's speech for the 2025 Pacific Judicial Conference.

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  • Waitangi Day at Ōnuku Marae

    Post date:
    Thursday, 6 Feb 2025
    Category:
    Feature
    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.’
     
    Dame Cindy delivers her Waitangi Day Address
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    You can read Dame Cindy's full address via Her Excellency's Waitangi Day Address at Ōnuku Marae, and more images via the Waitangi Day at Ōnuku Marae image gallery.

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  • Diplomatic Corps Reception in Kororāreka

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 5 Feb 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    For more pictures, click here: Diplomatic Corps Luncheon media gallery.

    HE Manahi Pakarati hongis Dame Cindy
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  • Opening of He Kura Toi Tangata: 50 years of the Waitangi Tribunal

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 4 Feb 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    To read Dame Cindy's speech, click here: He Kura Toi Tangata Speech.

    For more pictures, click here: He Kura Toi Tangata Media Gallery.

    Exhibition photograph of Hon Matiu Rata and Tribunal members Monita Delemere and Eddie Jurie
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  • Waitangi National Trust Board Meeting

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 4 Feb 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    For more photos, click here: Waitangi National Trust Board Gallery.

    Their Excellencies with the Waitangi National Trust Board

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  • National Iwi Chairs Forum Dinner 2025

    Post date:
    Monday, 3 Feb 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    For more photos, click here: Iwi Chairs barbeque media gallery.

    Dame Cindy and Katie Murray
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  • Powhiri at Waitangi Treaty Grounds 2025

    Post date:
    Monday, 3 Feb 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    To read Dame Cindy's speech, go to this link Powhiri at Te Whare Runanga 2025.

    To view photos from the powhiri, go to this link Powhiri at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, 2025

    Dame Cindy walking on to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
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  • Credentials ceremony January 31 2025

    Post date:
    Friday, 31 Jan 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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. 

    For more photos, click here: January Credentials Media Gallery.

    HE Dr Gábor Tamás Nagy and Dame Cindy Kiro
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  • Auckland Anniversary Regatta 2025

    Post date:
    Monday, 27 Jan 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    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.  

    For more photos click here: Auckland Anniversary Regatta media gallery.

    Racing in the harbour
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  • Appointment of Mr James Meager to the Executive Council

    Post date:
    Thursday, 23 Jan 2025

    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.

    Dame Cindy signing the warrant appointing Mr James Meager a member of the Executive Council
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    You can find more images from the ceremony in the image gallery for the appointment of Mr James Meager to the Executive Council.

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  • Visit to Basalt Columns on Rekohu Chatham Islands

    Post date:
    Friday, 13 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    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. 

    Dr Davies and Dame Cindy in Ohira Bay, Rekohu Chatham Islands
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    Dame Cindy exploring the basalt columns on Rekohu
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  • Chatham Islands regional visit - Day Two

    Post date:
    Thursday, 12 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    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 .

    To read Dame Cindy's speech at the Community Lunch, go to this link Community Lunch, Chatham Islands.

    To see images from the day's events, go to this link Chatham Islands Regional Visit - Day Two.

    Their Excellencies with their hosts at Kopinga Marae
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  • Chatham Islands regional visit - Day One

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 10 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    To read Dame Cindy's speech at Whakamaharatanga Marae, go to this link Powhiri at Whakamaharatanga Marae.

    To see images of her visit, go to this link Chatham Islands regional visit - Day One 

    Ricky Hapi, Dame Cindy and Cody Hapi in front of a kopi tree bearing the imprint of a rakau momori
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  • Farewell call from the Ambassador of the United States of America

    Post date:
    Friday, 6 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    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.
     
    Dame Cindy receiving a gift from His Excellency Mr Tom Udall, Ambassador of the United States of America
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    You can find more images from the call in the image gallery for the farewell call from the Ambassador of the United States of America.

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  • Dinner for the Vice-Chancellors of New Zealand universities

    Post date:
    Friday, 6 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies with the Vice-Chancellors of New Zealand's universities
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  • The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi 2024 Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga

    Post date:
    Thursday, 5 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    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.'
     
    Tā Pita Sharples and Dame Cindy embrace
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    You can find more images from the event in the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi 2024 Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga image gallery and read Dame Cindy's speech in Her Excellency's speech for the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi 2024 Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga.

     
     

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  • Official Visit to New Zealand by His Excellency Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 4 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    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.

    For more photos, click here: Official visit by the President of the Czech Republic media gallery.

    Dame Cindy greets President Pavel with a hongi
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  • Reception for the 50th anniversary of Citizens Advice Bureau Wellington

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 26 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    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.
     
    Dame Cindy in conversation with an attendee
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    You can find more images from the event in the image gallery for the reception for the 50th anniversary of Citizens Advice Bureau Wellington and read Dame Cindy's speech via Her Excellency's speech for the reception for the 50th anniversary of Citizens Advice Bureau Wellington.

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  • Royal assent of the Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Bill

    Post date:
    Monday, 25 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    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.
     
    Dame Cindy giving Royal assent to the Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Bill
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  • New Zealand Red Cross National Council Meeting

    Post date:
    Saturday, 23 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    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.'
     
    Dame Cindy meeting one of the attendees
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    You can find Dame Cindy's speech from the event via Her Excellency's speech for the New Zealand Red Cross National Council Meeting and find more images via the New Zealand Red Cross National Council Meeting image gallery.

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  • Sir George Elliot Tertiary Scholarships 2024

    Post date:
    Friday, 22 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    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.
     
    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies with the recipients
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    You can find more images from the event via the Sir George Elliot Tertiary Scholarships 2024 image gallery and read Dame Cindy's speech via Her Excellency's speech for the Sir George Elliot Tertiary Scholarships 2024.

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  • Celebrating the Heart Foundation

    Post date:
    Thursday, 21 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    To celebrate the recent achievements made by the heart research community, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted representatives and supporters from the Heart Foundation at Government House Auckland. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in New Zealand, and affects more than 1 in 23 people. Since 1968, the Foundation has been connecting cardiologists with like-minded people concerned about the high rate of heart disease in New Zealand. Through research and funding, they aim to find ways to greatly lessen the impact of heart disease on people living with a diagnosis, and how to prevent it from occurring altogether. 

    For more photos, click here: Celebration of the Heart Foundation media gallery.

    Mike Tomlinson greets Sir Collin Tukuitonga
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  • Aotearoa Circle Hui at Government House Auckland

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 20 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    This afternoon, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the Aotearoa Circle for their end of year hui, celebrating the achievements they have made this year, and looking forward to the future. The Aotearoa Circle is a private and public sector partnership, working together to find practical solutions to the effects of climate change, particularly on our natural resources. In her speech at the hui, Dame Cindy acknowledged the organisation and their achievements so far, saying: “Thank you for giving us hope for a way forward, by encouraging proactive next steps with regard to climate adaptation and the restoration of our vital natural capital”.

    For more photos, click here: Aotearoa Circle Hui 2024.

    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies with the Rangatahi Advisory Panel
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  • Hato Hone St John Investiture in Napier

    Post date:
    Saturday, 16 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    Recently in Napier, Dame Cindy presided over a ceremony investing 15 postulants into the Order of St John. Each postulant was recognised for their outstanding contributions to Hato Hone St John in areas across the organisation, working as staff or volunteers in community health, ambulance operations, clinical standards, peer support, community programmes, local area committees, human resources, and education. Dr Davies was among those recognised at the investiture, becoming a Commander of the Order of St John, reflecting his role as Hato Hone St John’s Patron of Community Health Services.
    At the investiture, Dame Cindy also presented Lily Wilson with the award of National Cadet of the Year 2025.
     
    For more photos, click here: Hato Hone St John Investiture media gallery.
     
    Dame Cindy presents Dr Davies with his Commander of the Order of St John
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  • New Zealand Down Syndrome Association National Achievement Awards

    Post date:
    Friday, 15 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    Yesterday afternoon at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association’s National Achievement Awards – recognising the achievements of three outstanding New Zealanders with Down syndrome, presenting the Val Sturgess National Volunteer Award, and inducting new members into STRIVE, a leadership and advisory group for people with Down syndrome.
     
    Dame Cindy spoke of her deep admiration for those being recognised in her speech: ‘I am so impressed, not only by what you’ve each achieved as athletes and in your professional lives, doing what you love – but also for your desire to lift others up through your example, and for your relentlessly positive attitude to whatever obstacles come before you.’ Very warmest congratulations to all acknowledged in yesterday’s very special ceremony.
     
    Dr Davies in conversation with Hamish
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    You can read Dame Cindy's speech at Her Excellency's speech for the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association National Achievement Awards and find more images in the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association National Achievement Awards image gallery.

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  • Te Anga Pāua o Aotearoa National Kapa Haka Festival

    Post date:
    Thursday, 14 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    This morning, Dame Cindy attended the 2024 Te Anga Pāua o Aotearoa National Kapa Haka Festival at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. Supported by IDEA, New Zealand's largest provider of intellectual disability services, and running over two days, the festival will feature performances by more than 25 rōpū from across Aotearoa in a joyful celebration of kapa haka. The theme for this year, ‘Noku te ao – 75 years living culture’, acknowledges IHC’s 75th anniversary of supporting New Zealanders with intellectual disabilities across our communities.
     
    During her tour behind the scenes, Her Excellency took the opportunity to practice some of her own formidable kapa haka skills with the rōpū from Tauranga. Very warmest congratulations to all performers and supporters of this wonderful festival.
     
    Dame Cindy posing for a photo with one of the performers
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    You can find more images from the event in the Te Anga Pāua o Aotearoa National Kapa Haka Festival image gallery.

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  • Rhodes Scholarship Selection 2024

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    On Thursday last week, Dame Cindy and other members of the Rhodes Scholarship interview panel were tasked with interviewing seven absolutely outstanding scholars, who progressed through the rigorous selection process for this internationally prestigious award. Each applicant is among the top students in their chosen field, while also excelling in other domains, including sports and the arts. Our warmest congratulations to Meredith Ross-James, Tom Swinburn, and Brittany Dick, who are the successful candidates of the Rhodes Scholarship. We wish them all the very best as they undertake their post-graduate study at Oxford University. 

    For more photos of all the finalists, click here: Rhodes Scholarship finalists 2024 media gallery.

    Dame Cindy and Tom Swinburn
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