This morning at Government House Auckland, four new diplomatic heads of mission presented their credentials to Dame Cindy. Welcome to HE Mr George Azer Saleeb Tadros, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt; HE Mr Lawrence Meredith, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union; HE Mr Luis Ernesto Morejón Rodríguez, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba; and HE Mr Samuel Yao Kumah, High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana.
A VIP (Very Important Pup) was welcomed to Government House this morning – Kiro, the guide dog in training. In June last year, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the Blind Low Vision NZ’s breeding and training centre in Auckland, where Dame Cindy lent her name to a puppy in a new litter of potential guide dogs. Today, eight-month old Labrador Kiro and his Puppy Raisers, the Walkinshaw family, came to Government House to give an update on his progress.
Blind Low Vision NZ breeds around 100 potential guide dogs a year, with about 40 graduating as guide dogs to assist people living with blindness, low vision and those who are deafblind. Along with Kiro, the Walkinshaws have become Puppy Raisers for four pups, helping them on their important journey towards becoming service dogs for those in need. To learn more about Blind Low Vision NZ’s Guide Dog Service, head to their website: Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dog Services.
Last night at Government House, Dame Cindy hosted a festive reception for Samaritans Wellington. Samaritans provides confidential, non-judgmental, non-religious support to those in our communities experiencing loneliness, depression, and other mental health issues. The charity operates a 24/7 crisis helpline and phones are operated by volunteers from the community. Nationally, Samaritans took over 20,000 calls in the financial year ending 31 March 2023, with over 10,000 calls in Wellington.
This afternoon, on a beautiful day in Waiouru, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the graduation of this year's New Zealand Officer Cadet Commissioning Course. This hugely challenging 11-month course aims to develop the leadership, character, and skill of personnel, in order to prepare them for leadership roles in the New Zealand Army, as well as other armed forces from across the Asia-Pacific region.
As Dame Cindy said in her speech: 'We live in challenging and uncertain times – of continuing conflict overseas, and where the effects of climate change are being seen and felt more and more clearly. You will each have a role to play in how we respond to these challenges of our time.'
Very warmest congratulations to all of today's graduates.
Today marked the State Opening of Aotearoa New Zealand’s 54th Parliament, which began with a haka pōwhiri and a guard of honour for Dame Cindy and Dr Davies as they arrived on Parliament's forecourt.
In an important aspect of the day’s formalities, Dame Cindy delivered the Speech from the Throne in Parliament’s Legislative Chamber. This speech, written by the new Government, outlines their priorities for the coming three years – and is delivered to all members of the House of Representatives, as well as a number of former Governors-General, Prime Ministers, and distinguished guests. This was the first time in New Zealand that the Speech from the Throne has been delivered on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III.
Following the speech, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies met with members of the diplomatic corps, before attending a reception in celebration of the new Parliamentary term.
Following the Commission Opening of Parliament this morning, Dame Cindy has confirmed the Rt Hon Gerry Brownlee as the 32nd Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Confirmation of the Speaker Ceremony was conducted in both English and te reo Māori, and was attended by representatives from across parties in New Zealand’s Parliament. The Rt Hon Gerry Brownlee was elected to Parliament in 1996, making him the longest continuously serving Member of Parliament.
Congratulations to the recipients of this year's scholarships from the Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust: John Taylor, Kate Chandulal-Dee and Shana Singh-Anderson.
Dame Cindy presented their certificates at Government House Auckland this morning. The scholarships provide $25,000 to each recipient to assist them with their tertiary studies. Their schools also receive a $500 donation towards their libraries and learning resources.
Tonight, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies celebrated the 25th Anniversary of APEC Voices of the Future, at Government House Wellington. APEC Voices of the Future has run alongside the APEC CEO Summit since 1998, and supports young New Zealanders to take part in a youth leadership and educational diplomacy programme. These young leaders get the chance to collaborate on global issues and engage with world leaders. In New Zealand, it is run by the APEC Voices Trust, the Centres of Asia-Pacific Excellence and Te Puni Kōkiri. This event was also a chance for some of those who have participated in Voices for Future to reflect on their APEC experience, and the learnings they have carried through into their careers.
The Governor-General, the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, will appoint the new Ministry at a ceremony at Government House Wellington this morning at 11am.
During the ceremony, Dame Cindy will exercise her reserve powers to appoint Mr Christopher Luxon as Prime Minister and as an Executive Councillor.
The ceremony will also involve the appointment of a new Executive Council; a meeting of the Executive Council at which councillors will take their oaths and affirmations; and the appointment of Executive Councillors to Ministerial portfolios. Parliamentary Under-Secretaries will then be appointed and take their oaths or affirmations.
A livestream of this ceremony is available to watch below.
Tonight at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted the Royal Society Te Apārangi Wellington Research Honours Aotearoa for 2023. These awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of New Zealand researchers and scholars across their respective disciplines: from climate change and freshwater ecosystems, to the decolonisation of research methodologies. Many congratulations to all of this year's Honours recipients, whose work affirms the spirit of the whakataukī: ‘Whaia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou. Seek knowledge for the sake of your wellbeing.’
Continuing the 60th celebrations for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme in New Zealand, this evening Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a reception for the Award, joined by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. Since the Award’s establishment in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1963, it has endured thanks to the countless people who give their time and expertise to help our rangatahi achieve the goals they set themselves in the Award programme. This event was a chance to recognise some of those outstanding people who have contributed to the Award’s success in New Zealand.
Before cutting the celebratory birthday cake, the Duke noted how the Award, started by his father in 1956, now exists in over 120 countries and territories worldwide with millions of participants taking up the challenge.
Tonight at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a reception with HRH the Duke of Edinburgh for supporters of the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award Programme in New Zealand. In his speech, His Royal Highness gave his heartfelt thanks to attendees for enabling the Awards Programme to reach out to such a broad spectrum of secondary school students – and for giving them the skills to develop their potential and contribute to the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of New Zealand.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh is currently visiting New Zealand, as worldwide head of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award programmes. While he is in New Zealand, Prince Edward is attending events celebrating the 60th year of the Hillary Award programme in New Zealand. Tonight, at Government House Auckland, he participated at an education forum hosted by Dame Cindy. The forum brought together representatives from education, the community and the corporate sector to discuss leadership training in schools and the Award programme in Aotearoa. Participants shared their insights into what initiatives best enable young people to confidently take their place in the world, and with a greater awareness of the possibilities open to them.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted Public Service Commissioners from across the Pacific, who are in Aotearoa New Zealand to attend The Fono 2023. The Fono is a chance for Pacific Public Service Commissioners to share knowledge and collaborate on approaches that address the needs of Pacific citizens, and to strengthen public services. The Fono’s representatives are from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the National Commemoration of Armistice Day was held to remember the signing of the Armistice Agreement 105 years ago, which ended four years of conflict in the First World War.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the commemoration at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, joining Government and Defence representatives, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and Taranaki Whānui.
In her speech, Dame Cindy noted “On this Armistice Day, as we remember the end of the First World War, let us firm our resolve, wherever we can, to support and to strive for peace, community, and all that is good in life – as proud New Zealanders and members of the global community”. To read the whole speech, click here: Dame Cindy's Armistice Day speech.
Dr Davies attended a meeting of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Company of Master Mariners, to present former Chief of Navy Rear Admiral (Rtd.) David Ledson an Honorary Membership to the Company. At the meeting, Dr Davies spoke about his own seafaring background, which includes two years in the Merchant Navy and sailing a 36-foot ketch from the UK to the Falkland Islands. Dr Davies is patron of the New Zealand Company of Master Mariners.
Today, five new diplomatic heads of mission presented their credentials at Government House Wellington. Dame Cindy welcomed HE Mr Muhanna Aba Alkhail, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; HE Mr William Tan Wei Yuan, High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore; HE Ms Jana Tyrer, Ambassador of the Czech Republic; HE Dr Chanborey Cheunboran, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia; and HE Mr Garry Ramlee Haji Ibrahim, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam.
Dame Cindy hosted Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commission’s Public Service Day Awards, recognising 24 public servants who exemplify the spirit of service to New Zealand. The recipients were honoured for their contributions across a wide range of public services, demonstrating an outstanding commitment to New Zealanders and their communities.
More information on each of the recipients can be found on the Public Service Commission's website through this link: Public Service Day Awards 2023.
Today Dame Cindy hosted the Board of Governors for the annual Thomas George Macarthy Trust meeting. T G Macarthy was a successful brewer and businessman, later known for his philanthropy in the Wellington region. His mission was to build a strong, inclusive community by supporting charitable organisations involving educational, medical and community groups. Upon his death in 1906, the T G Macarthy Trust was created to administer his estate, ensuring it would benefit charitable organisations in the Wellington region for generations to come.
Dr Davies, assisted by Pebbles and Lucy, welcomed Garden to Table and local students in Wellington, as they helped Government House join their schools in becoming a Pollinator Pathway. Pollinator Pathways are safe areas in gardens for pollinators to forage, filled with plants that help them thrive.
Seedlings were planted and wildflower seeds scattered in the Government House orchard, demonstrating to the students the importance of bees and other pollinators in the process of growing of kai – they help pollinate a third of what we eat. Afterwards, the students had a morning tea filled with treats using ingredients grown on-site at Government House.
Garden to Table supports schools to teach children across New Zealand how to grow, harvest, prepare and share seasonal, nutritious and affordable kai, working with schools to enable this food education programme. Around 30,000 children across New Zealand are currently involved.
This evening Dame Cindy hosted members of the Association of Former Members of Parliament. The Association promotes ongoing fellowship and camaraderie amongst its members, who come from all sides of the House of Representatives.
The Association is committed to increasing understanding and appreciation of the democratic process. Members visit schools and the Association administers an essay competition amongst secondary school students. Dame Cindy presented the winning student Isla Willacy and runner-up Olivia Zhu with certificates. The prizes were donated by the New Zealand Business and Parliament Trust.
In 2003, Dame Cindy was a founding Fellow of Te Mata o te Tau, the Academy for Maori Research and Scholarship at Massey University. This afternoon she hosted Fellows of the Academy and senior academics, past and present, to celebrate the long line of Maori academics whose work has been fostered by Te Mata o te Tau. It was also an occasion to honour Emeritus Professor Sir Mason Durie for his work in founding Te Mata o te Tau and the leadership he has brought to Maori academia. During the proceedings, Professor Durie was made a life member and Dame Cindy was presented with a pounamu taonga.
Yesterday evening, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed the Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand to Government House for their 30th anniversary celebrations. It is estimated that nine out of every ten people who are blind do not need to be, and the Fred Hollows Foundation has been working to end this avoidable blindness, particularly in the Pacific. The Foundation trains and supports eye doctors and nurses in the Pacific, and work with local governments to empower local eye care providers. To date, they have provided over 1 million consultations and 81,000 surgeries. As the event coincided with Fijian Independence Day, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were presented with traditional Fijian Salusalu to wear.
Dame Cindy with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, King of Malaysia and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
On the 1st of October, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies travelled to Kuala Lumpur to begin their official visit to Malaysia, at the invitation of His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong, to commemorate the 66th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. On arrival at the airport, they were greeted by a Guard of Honour and met with Hannah Yeoh, Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister. The first engagement of the visit was a mihi whakatau with New Zealand High Commission staff in Kuala Lumpur, followed by a reception with prominent Malaysian alumni from Otago, Canterbury and Victoria Universities.
Day two of the visit saw Their Excellencies attend their official State Welcome, hosted by King Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Queen Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. The State Welcome included an inspection of the Guard of Honour, a State Banquet, an audience with the King and Queen, and the naming of an orchid ‘Vanda Cynthia Kiro’ after Dame Cindy. At the State Welcome, it was a rare honour to have Queen Raja Permaisuri joining Dame Cindy in singing a waiata, Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi.
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah giving Dame Cindy a tour of the Kraft Komplex.
At the invitation of Raja Permaisuri Agong, Dame Cindy had the chance to visit the Kraft Komplex to see traditional Tenun Pahang Diraja weaving. The Malaysian Queen is an expert in Malay crafts, particularly this form of textile weaving. Traditional Malay weaving skills were at risk of disappearing, with there being only 15 certified weavers in 2006. Her Majesty the Queen is regarded as having reinvigorated the craft by founding a vocational training course, and establishing a weaving programme in prisons. In 2022 there are now over 330 certified weavers.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies also met with Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia. They were joined by Zambry Abdul Kadir, Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Beginning the third day of the visit, Dame Cindy was hosted at a Women’s Leadership Breakfast, attended by emerging and established female leaders in Malaysia. The remarkable women shared their journeys across a range of sectors, including Datuk Nicol Ann David, considered to be the greatest women’s squash player of all time.
Later that day, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited Kolej Yayasan Saad, a co-educational boarding school in Melaka. The school has enabled 80-100 students to study at New Zealand universities each year, with 600 graduates since 2017. Their Excellencies then had a heritage tour of Melaka, which is home to a UNESCO Heritage site.
For the final day of the visit, Dame Cindy met with His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Shah, the Sultan of the state of Perak. Sultan Nazrin is Malaysia’s Deputy King, the Chancellor of the University of Malaysia, and served as co-Chair of the UN Panel on Humanitarian Financing. Sultan Nazrin is also an avid supporter of the All Blacks, visiting New Zealand to watch them win the World Cup in 2011.
Next, they had lunch with Fugee School staff and students. Fugee School is a refugee learning centre helping former refugees resettle in Malaysia, and offers scholarships for the students to help them study tertiary education.
Traditional cooking techniques at Jungle School Gombak.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies then visited the Jungle School Gombak, which is an indigenous school empowering the Orang Asli tribe to share their cultural heritage and knowledge. At the school, the Orang Asli tribe teach their jungle survival skills, traditional cooking and hut making, jungle law and rainforest sustainability. For their visit Dame Cindy and Dr Davies experienced a traditional dance performance, Orang Asli cooking and a cultural arts and craft demonstration.
For the final engagement, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited St John Ambulance of Malaysia to learn about their humanitarian work. Earlier this year, Dame Cindy had met Dato’ Lai See Ming, Commander-in-Chief and Chairperson of St John Ambulance Malaysia, at the St John Grand Council which was held in New Zealand.
This morning at the Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua, Dame Cindy attended the annual Police Remembrance Day service. Held on 29 September each year, the service commemorates both serving and former police staff from across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific who have died over the course of the previous twelve months. This date coincides with the feast day of the Archangel Michael – the Patron Saint of Police. During the service, all those police officers killed while performing their official duties were also remembered in the reading of the Roll of Honour.
As Dame Cindy said in her address: 'I acknowledge the immense burden carried by police officers across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific: to daily face the risk of danger, but to do so with such courage and conviction – and to bear witness to the worst in humanity, but to never lose sight of our essential goodness.'
For this year’s final investiture in Wellington, 12 recipients were welcomed to Government House. Ron Baker received an MNZM for services to Māori and mental health. Mr Barker has spent his career working to improve Māori mental health, beginning as a Charge Nurse at the first Māori Mental Health Unit, in Tokanui Hospital. He helped create of Manawanui, which is a Marae supporting Māori with mental health and addiction issues. Tofilau Taufale was honoured for his contribution to Pacific health, having led many Pacific health and wellbeing initiatives. Mr Taufale is co-founder of USO Bike Ride, an organisation which aims to improve the wellbeing of communities through cycling.
Former Member of Parliament and Mayor of Christchurch The Honourable Lianne Dalziel received a CNZM this afternoon at Government House, recognising her contributions to central and local government. She was elected to Parliament in 1990, and later elected as Mayor of Christchurch in 2013 where she served three terms. She helped lead the Council through its 2010-2011 earthquake recovery, and the response to the 2019 terror attacks.
Dr Peter Flanagan received an ONZM for services to blood transfusion, having served over 20 years as National Director of the New Zealand Blood Service.
Squadron Leader George McInnes and Lieutenant Colonel Vanessa Ropitini were awarded the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration for their contributions to the New Zealand Defence Force.
This morning 12 recipients received their insignia at Government House this morning, including Jim Schuster, a specialist carver, kowhaiwhai painter and tukutuku weaver. Mr Schuster has restored marae and wharenui across the country, and helped create tukutuku panels that are displayed in the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Shanelle Barrett received an MNZM for services to triathlon, having won her first competition at age 14 and then mentoring the next generation through the Weet-bix Kids Tryathlon. James Hazlett, Geoff Mayall, Neil Robbie and Stephen Shaw were honoured for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, each having volunteered for the service in their communities.
For the final investiture this week, 10 New Zealand Royal Honours recipients were welcomed to Government House. Karl Chitham received an ONZM for services to the arts, particularly Māori arts. He has been a curator in universities, museums and galleries, and is currently Director of The Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt.
Dr Huhana Smith was recognised for services to the environment, leading the largest Māori-led research project into climate change. As co-chair of Horizons Climate Action, she works to address the impact of climate change in the Manawatū. Richard Lemon received a QSM for services to the agricultural and pastoral industry. Mr Lemon has been heavily involved with the Ashburton and Canterbury A&P Associations, and led the Canterbury A&P show through its 150th anniversary year.
Twelve outstanding New Zealanders received their insignia at this morning’s investiture at Government House Wellington. Among them was Dame Helene Quilter, who was recognised for her 45 years in the Public Service, most recently as the Deputy Public Services Commissioner and Secretary of Defence. Pānia Papa was awarded an ONZM for services to Māori language education and broadcasting. Ms Papa was a lecturer of Māori Studies at Waikato University, presented and wrote te reo Māori educational shows, and oversaw the translation of the Māori Language Act in 2016. Nicky Hager also received an ONZM, for services to investigative journalism. Mr Hager has published seven books covering intelligence, the environment, military and politics. He was the first New Zealander to become a member of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism.
This afternoon’s investiture ceremony welcomed twelve further recipients, including Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo, who received an MNZM for services to the New Zealand Police and ethnic communities. In his 21-year career with the police, Superintendent Naidoo has advocated for ethnic communities and has worked to reduce family harm in New Zealand. He helped establish Gandhi Nivas, an organisation working to prevent family violence by offering early intervention and rehabilitation services. Since its creation, Gandhi Nivas has supported over 2,500 families in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Ian Smith received a QSM for his contributions to civil defence and the community. Mr Smith has supported Gisborne Civil Defence through multiple severe weather events, and volunteers with Gisborne Coast Guard. Congratulations to all this afternoon’s recipients.
The Hon Sir Stephen Kós received his KNZM this morning at Government House. Sir Stephen was recognised for his contributions to the judiciary and legal education, having served as a judge in the High Court, Court of Appeal and as of last year, the Supreme Court. Former All Black captain Andy Leslie received an ONZM for services to sport and the community. Mr Leslie has been President of the New Zealand Rugby Union and is a Life Trustee of the Halberg Trust. He also represented New Zealand in softball and water polo.
Rod Graham received a QSM for services to the community. In Ōtaki, he helped establish bilingual education at St Peter Channel kura, and also was a founding member of the Ōtaki Pottery Club. He now chairs the Cobwebs Community Trust, an organisation helping people in hardship. Congratulations to all this morning’s recipients.
