Yesterday Dame Patsy and Sir David were given a brief tour of the Len Lye Centre at the Govett-Brewster Gallery in New Plymouth. The extraordinary building is a fitting tribute to the remarkable innovation and creative spirit of Len Lye, and a wonderful contemplative space to celebrate his sensational kinetic sculpture. Image gallery
This afternoon Dame Patsy and Sir David visited the renowned gardens at Pukeiti to formally open the Rainforest Centre, where visitors can learn about the history of the gardens and walk along elevated walkways into the rainforest. The gardens have an extensive collection of rhododendrons.
This afternoon, Dame Patsy received the credentials of three Ambassadors: HE Mr Marc Mullie, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium; Mr Mirza Hajric, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and HE Mr Wahidullah Waissi, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
Dame Patsy presented Hon Jim Anderton with the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services as a Member of Parliament at a special ceremony in Christchurch yesterday. A small group of family and friends was on hand to see the presentation of the medal and listen to a few reminiscences from Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel and surprise guest, Helen Clark
Tonight Dame Patsy and Sir David attended the opening of The Corsini Collection: A Window on Renaissance Florence at the Auckland Art Gallery. This stunning exhibition of art from the private collection of the Corsini family features priceless artworks, by Botticelli, Tintoretto and many others, that have never been exhibited outside Italy before. There's also a portrait of the family saint that still has the bullet holes from German soldiers who raided the family villa in 1944.
The last investiture ceremony of 2017 saw 22 New Zealanders recognised for their service to their communities. Among this morning's recipients Peter Hayden, ONZM for services to film and television; Christchurch City Missioner Michael Gorman, QSO, for services to the community and Marama Mullen-Tamiti for services to people with HIV and AIDS.
Congratulations to the 18 New Zealanders who received their insignia at Government House in Wellington this afternoon. Recipients included former Auditor-General Lyn Provost; actor Rachel House and writer/photographer/environmentalist Dave Hansford
It's investiture week in Wellington. Today, Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted two ceremonies to recognise the acheivements of 37 New Zealanders. Recipients included Professor Sir Timoti Karetu, KNZM, for services to the Maori language; A.J Hackett, ONZM for services to adventure tourism; and writer Emily Perkins for services to literature.
Diversity Works encourages and promotes diversity in New Zealand workplaces. On Thursday 24 August Dame Patsy attended the 2017 Diversity Awards dinner, where organisations that are leading the way are acknowledged and celebrated. This year's supreme award winner was Real Journeys. Speech transcript
This morning, Dame Patsy signed the writ giving permission for the General Election to be held on 23 September. The writ is the formal authority to run the election and enables candidate nominations to open tomorrow on 24 August. Chief Electoral officer, Alicia Wright was on hand for the signing. Coco also volunteered for supervisory duties.
On Saturday 19 August, Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a State Luncheon for HE Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic and members of her delegation; former Prime Ministers The Rt Hon Jim Bolger and The Rt Hon Helen Clark, and former Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, along with prominent members of the New Zealand Croatian community.
Today Dame Patsy signed the proclamation dissolving the 51st Parliament of New Zealand. The proclamation takes effect tomorrow, when it will be officially read out on the steps of Parliament by the New Zealand Herald of Arms Extraordinary. The reading of the proclamation will take place at 11am and is open to the public
The Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy and Sir David Gascoigne hosted a State Welcome ceremony and luncheon for the President of the Republic of Croatia,Her Excellency Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and Mr Jacov Kitarovic at Government House in Auckland.
Kiwi singer-songwriter Annie Crummer was one of 15 honours recipients who attended investitures in Auckland today. Other recipients included screenwriter and executive producer Rachel Lang, MNZM, who co-created shows like "Outrageous Fortune" and "Go Girls"; and Tony Hall, Chancellor of Lincoln University, who became a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to educaton and sport.
This afternoon Dame Patsy hosted an investiture ceremony for 12 New Zealand achievers. Amongst this afternoon's recipients - Sir Graeme Dingle, KNZM , for services to youth; Cameron Brown, ONZM, for services to triathlon and Sally Ikinofo, MNZM for services to education and Maori and Pacific communities.
This morning, Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted an investiture ceremony at Government House Auckland and congratulated 12 honours recipients. These included Emeritus Professor Dame Peggy Koopman-Boyden, an authority on gerontology and eminent cardiologist Professor Hamid Ikram.
This afternoon's investiture recipients included Dame Julie Christie, DNZM, for services to governance and the television industry, Ms Mary Ama, CNZM, for services to the arts and the Pacific community, Mr Jim Gray, ONZM for services to Maori and governance, and Mr Michael Meredith, MNZM for services as a restauranter and to philanthropy.
This morning Dame Patsy congratulated 13 honours recipients at Government House in Auckland. Amongst those honoured were former Prime Minister the Rt Hon Sir John Key who became a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, dancer/choreographer Neil Ieremia, ONZM and photographer Dr Fiona Pardington, MNZM.
A camera crew filmed Dame Patsy signing three bills into existence this afternoon. The footage will be used for a video explaining how Parliament works and the steps required to bring a piece of legislation into existence.
Amongst the bills was the Ngāti Pūkenga Claims Settlement Bill. This bill was of great personal interest to Dame Patsy as she had been involved in the settlement process as a Crown negotiator
The final awards ceremony today at Government House was for 40 Queen's Guides and 7 recipients of the St John Grand Prior Award, the highest award that young members of St John can aspire to.
Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a ceremony for 56 Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Gold Awards this morning. https://gg.govt.nz/image-galleries/duke-edinburgh-hillary-gold-awards-presentation
Today Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted the board meeting for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Aotearoa New Zealand Hillary Award, with Dame Patsy later chairing the AGM. Tomorrow, Government House will host ceremonies to to present Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards, along with Queen's Scout, Queen's Guide and St John Grand Prior Awards.
Dame Patsy and Sir David visited the headquarters of the Royal New Zealand Ballet in Wellington for a behind the scenes look at the company as it prepares for its latest production 'Romeo and Juliet'.
As well as touring the wardrobe department, they also sat in on a dance class.
Dame Patsy and Sir David with the Royal New Zealand Ballet
The RNZB's next production, Romeo and Juliet, opens in Wellington, then tours New Zealand
Dame Patsy and RNZB Director, Marketing and Development Susannah Lees-Jefferies look at millinery
Image of Dame Patsy and Sir David with Romeo and Juliet Costume designer, James Acheson
Beading on the costumes is done by hand
Close up of the beading and dancer Madeleine Graham wearing the finished product while acting wardrobe supervisor Esther Lofley pins the hem
Dame Patsy and Sir David with Frances Turner, Chief Executive of the RNZB and Patricia Barker, Artistic Director
Fabric samples used for the RNZB production of Romeo and Juliet. Credit Stephen A'Court
More fabrics used in the production 'Romeo and Juliet'. Most of the fabrics used are imported from overseas. Credit Stephen A'Court.
RNZB dancers Madeleine Graham and Joseph Skelton rehearse. Credit Stephen A'Court.
Last night the Association of Former MPs gathered at Government House and Dame Patsy presented Sean Chan with the prize for best essay in the Association's essay-writing competition for secondary school students. The competition aims to foster awareness and participation in the political process.
