Last week, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies continued their programme of events in West Auckland – an area of New Zealand close to Her Excellency's heart.
On Tuesday morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited Blanket Base – the headquarters for the remarkable West Auckland charity, Give a Kid a Blanket. GaKaB’s mission is to relieve the effects of poverty and offer practical help to those in need through gifting objects of warmth and comfort – including blankets, duvets, bedding, clothing, and self-care essentials. Over the past year, GaKaB has helped more than 8,000 members of their community. The charity works with police, public health nurses, community and social workers, and community service agencies who make requests for resources and collect them from Blanket Base.
For more information on Give a Kid a Blanket, its powerful work, and opportunities to contribute, please visit: https://giveakidablanket.co.nz.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies then visited BirdCare Aotearoa – a charity dedicated to providing care and rehabilitation to sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds. During their visit, Their Excellencies met a ruru, kākā, and kererū – each delivered to the centre by a concerned member of the community, and in different stages of their recovery. Dame Cindy also acknowledged some of the longest-serving members of the BirdCare volunteering family.
To find out more about the important work of BirdCare and its committed team of staff and volunteers – including how you can help – please visit: https://birdcareaotearoa.org.nz.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies started their Wednesday morning with a very special visit to He Wero School for Young Parents at Henderson High School. He Wero supports parents under the age of 18 to complete their secondary education – both across core subjects, as well as more specialist subjects taught online or within the main school. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies spent time with some of the mothers and their babies – and heard about their special interests and aspirations for the future. They also took part in a mindfulness and yoga class run by the inspiring Kindness Institute.
Following their time at He Wero, Their Excellencies went next door to the Barnardos Early Learning Centre, where babies born to the mothers in He Wero are given priority enrolment – and where those young parents and children are supported in spending time together throughout the course of their school day and learning.
Dame Cindy then visited Bellyful West Auckland, to take part in one of their monthly 'Cookathons'. Bellyful is a charitable organisation that cooks and delivers meals to whānau with newborn babies and young children in need of support. Once a month, volunteers come together to make delicious and nutritious meals which are then stored and distributed throughout the community. Yesterday, Dame Cindy was on lasagne construction, macaroni dolloping, and soup whizzing duties – helping to make some of the 146 meals produced in total during the Cookathon.
You can find out more about Bellyful's wonderful work around the country, and how you can become involved, here: https://bellyful.org.nz/.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies made a trip to Matipo Primary School on Thursday morning, where they were greeted with a beautiful pōwhiri by students and teachers. Matipo Primary School teaches students years 1-6, with the vision: ‘Mā te manaaki e tipu ai ngā kākano, hei te rākau teitei – We nurture the seed so the tree will grow strong’. A key feature of the school is Te Puawaitanga o Te Wairua – a Māori Enrichment Unit, providing opportunities for all children to be immersed in a kaupapa Māori framework underpinned by tikanga Māori. Dame Cindy was given a special tour of the school with students, and stopped in to read a story with one of the classes.
Finally, on Friday morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited Blind Low Vision NZ's guide dog breeding and training centre in Manurewa. This extraordinary facility is one of only two in the world to offer specialised training for guide dogs and their handlers in one place.
The centre includes a series of realistically modelled public spaces – such as pedestrian crossings, train carriages, and shopping malls – allowing dogs and their handlers to gain confidence moving through the kinds of environments they're likely to encounter in day-to-day life. These spaces also incorporate traffic and crowd noises, as well as potentially distracting smells, to simulate the real world as closely as possible.
Each year, Blind Low Vision NZ also breeds around 100 potential guide dogs, of which around 40 will graduate from the training programme – the rest adopted as beloved pets. Their Excellencies finished their visit meeting some of the newest litter, who were enjoying a late morning play.
This week marked National Volunteer Week – an opportunity to acknowledge the often unheralded work of volunteers across New Zealand. Last night at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy hosted an event for Tūao Aotearoa Volunteering New Zealand, in recognition of those immense contributions made by remarkable New Zealanders in our communities – in particular over these past three years, through the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing severe weather events.
Last night at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted an event for the QEII National Trust, celebrating 45 years of their work in conservation in New Zealand. The Trust works in partnership with landowners to protect native biodiversity on their properties – and has created a network of over 4,700 protected areas throughout New Zealand.
Their Excellencies took the opportunity to acknowledge those individuals who have supported the Trust with gifts in their wills, and to welcome new supporters who have indicated their intention to support conservation efforts in perpetuity. The event also marked Mr Bruce Wills' last as Chair of the QEII National Trust after many years of dedicated service.
On Saturday, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the State Memorial and Concert for former Governor-General, Dame Cath Tizard. Dame Cath was New Zealand’s first female Governor-General, serving from December 1990 - March 1996. Dame Cindy gave a eulogy at the memorial speaking of Dame Cath’s time as Governor-General. Her term included visits from Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela, and a skydive for charity. Dame Cindy remarked how Dame Cath “sought to act as a positive, unifying force for good. She saw the Governor-General role as a symbol of nationhood, as a link between individual citizens, and as their representative on significant public occasions, here and overseas”.
Before Dame Cath’s term as Governor-General, she served as a councillor for the Auckland City Council and became the first woman elected as mayor of Auckland City, she taught at Auckland University, and was a panellist on TVNZ chat show, Beauty and the Beast. Dame Cath died on 31 October 2021 at age 90.
On this very rainy Auckland morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed the returning Spirit of New Zealand crew back to Princess Wharf. After meeting the rangatahi who had just completed a five-day voyage, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies had a tour of the Spirit of New Zealand, seeing where the crew of 16 and 40 participants eat, sleep and learn together while at sea. Since the 1970s, The Spirit of Adventure Trust has provided over 80, 000 young New Zealanders the chance to learn leadership and teamwork skills, boost their confidence, and build resilience. Their kaupapa can best be described by Chair Stephen Fisher – “Respect the land and you have a home. Respect the sea and you have sustenance. Respect the air and you have life. Respect your neighbour and you have a friend. Learn from the “Spirit” and you have a future.”
This afternoon Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the Child Cancer Foundation at Government House Auckland to honour new Life Member Dean Bradley, and Star Tamariki Esme Palmer and Addison Blair. Dean Bradley has been involved in the Child Cancer Foundation for 17 years. He is a current board member and formerly chair of the Wellington branch. Esme and Addison were recognised for being stars facing their own journey with childhood cancer. Each year around 150 families are faced with a childhood cancer diagnosis. For 45 years, the Child Cancer Foundation has been supporting these families in five main areas - social connection, emotional wellbeing, practical support, building resilience and moving forward.
Established in 2011, Fair Food is a rescue and repurposing organisation that recovers surplus food otherwise bound for the landfill, and creates nourishing meals for West Aucklanders in need. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the team this morning to help with baking the Queen’s Banana Bread and cooking a vegetable soup. Fair Food has grown exponentially since 2020, making 1.8 million meals from 621,720 kgs of rescued food in 2022 alone. They also offer cooking classes in the community. This year Tracey Pirini, Fair Food’s head of Operations and Relationships, was a medallist in the Kiwibank Local Hero category.
Today, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the 55th New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays, the largest agricultural event in the southern hemisphere. Dame Cindy spoke at the Primary Leaders Luncheon, before visiting some of the hubs showcasing what’s up and coming in the primary sector. This year saw the introduction of the Sustainability Hub, featuring Toitū Envirocare and youth initiative Future Farmers among the environmentally focused organisations exhibiting during Fieldays.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies also visited the Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing Hub, showcasing some of New Zealand’s rural health initiatives.
This morning Dame Cindy welcomed four new Diplomatic Heads of Mission to New Zealand at a credentials ceremony. Welcome to HE Mrs Kairangi Samuela, High Commissioner for the Cook Islands; HE Mr Reza Nazar Ahari, Ambassador to The Islamic Republic of Iran; HE Ms Kira Christianne D. Azucena, Ambassador to The Republic of the Philippines; and HE Dr Nor Eddine Benfreha, Ambassador for The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. We wish them the well in their new diplomatic roles.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies returned from an official visit to the Cook Islands yesterday – Her Excellency’s first to the Cook Islands since taking office. The four-day trip represented an opportunity to acknowledge some of those special connections between our two countries, and attend events reflecting Dame Cindy and Dr Davies’ interests in education, health, and wellbeing.
Upon arrival onto Rarotonga on Wednesday, Their Excellencies were very warmly welcomed with a special Kiriti Maro Tai ceremony at Atupare Marae. As part of the ceremony, Dame Cindy placed a mauri stone sourced from Government House Auckland at the pito of the marae, symbolising the deep and enduring connection between the New Zealand and Cook Islands peoples. Dame Cindy also presented Te Ui Ariki with the gift of a specially commissioned hoe, or paddle, chosen to represent the whakapapa links between New Zealand and the Cook Islands through our shared voyaging ancestors. You can find more images from the turou here.
On Thursday morning, Dame Cindy met with the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Hon Mark Brown. Dame Cindy and Prime Minister Brown discussed the very special relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands – our deep historical, cultural, and interpersonal links – and hopes for the future of that relationship. You can find more images from their meeting here.
Following Dame Cindy’s meeting with Prime Minister Brown, Her Excellency attended the inaugural graduation ceremony at Te Vānanga Are Tapere o Takitumu – the Cook Islands’ first performing arts school. The school has a Tuakana-Teina relationship with Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu in Hastings, and seeks to ensure the retention and strengthening of Cook Islands reo and tikanga.
As Dame Cindy said, quoting the whakataukī in her speech: ‘Ko taku reo taku ohooho, ko taku reo taku māpihi mauria. My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul.’ You can find more images from the graduation ceremony here and Dame Cindy's speech here.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies then attended the launch of the Healthy Schools Programme at Apii Avarua. During the launch, Dame Cindy spoke to the children about the importance of diet and exercise for physical and mental wellbeing – and for doing their best, down whichever of life’s paths they choose to take. Their Excellencies also joined in with a little impromptu dance session and enjoyed some of the beautiful island produce. You can find more images from the event here and Dame Cindy's speech here.
That evening, on a beautiful Rarotonga evening, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended a reception hosted by Her Excellency Ms Tui Dewes, High Commissioner for New Zealand to the Cook Islands, in celebration of our countries’ ancient shared tradition of Matariki.
The evening also marked the launch of Matariki Korikori – a cluster of events organised by the High Commission to observe Matariki over the coming weeks. The reception included a dinner celebrating the culinary links between New Zealand and the Cook Islands – as well as a Matariki performance by the Kahurangi Māori Dance Company. You can find more images from the reception here and Dame Cindy's speech here.
The following day was spent on the beauitful island of Aitutaki . Dame Cindy were greeted upon arrival by representatives from the Island Council, before travelling to Araura College, where all of the students on Aitutaki had gathered to meet Their Excellencies for a special assembly. You find Dame Cindy's speech at that assembly here.
Following their time with the students, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies toured the island to see some of the projects supported by Ngā Hoe Tuputupu-mai-tawhiti – New Zealand’s International Cooperation Programme – including the Manatua cable landing station. They also learnt about the impact of climate change on marine life in Aitutaki’s world-renowned lagoon. You can find more images from Their Excellencies' day on Aitutaki here.
On Their Excellencies' last morning in the Cook Islands, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the Autism Cook Islands Community Hub to take part in their Lego Robotics Clinic. Their Excellencies joined in building lego robotics with the children, heard about the difference this kind of play therapy can make in building the children’s confidence, and officiated a successful robotic car race. You can find more images from their visit here.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies share an interest in the reduction of drug harm in Aotearoa. At last night's reception at Parliament for the New Zealand Drug Foundation Parliamentary Symposium, Dame Cindy thanked clinicians, researchers, harm-reduction practitioners, policy-makers, peer support workers, and the Cross-Party Mental Health and Addictions Wellbeing Group for their commitment to transform the way New Zealand addresses drug issues. Dame Cindy presented gifts to Lotta Dann, MNZM for her work to help thousands of New Zealanders to sobriety, and to Wendy Allison, MNZM, for her work in establishing KnowYourStuffNZ, a licensed drug-testing initiative.
This afternoon, in a very moving ceremony at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy presented New Zealand Bravery Awards to five extraordinary New Zealanders, for their actions in response to the Whakaari/White Island eruption on 9 December 2019. As the Governor-General remarked in her speech: 'The efforts of these brave New Zealanders serve to remind us of our lifelong responsibility to each other, and bring to mind the whakataukī: he toa taumata rau – bravery has many resting places.'
Sir Ashley Bloomfield was among the eleven recipients receiving their honours this morning at Government House. Sir Ashley was recognised for his role in leading the health sector’s response and management of the COVID-19 pandemic. He became a familiar face to New Zealanders, fronting daily reports. He led the Ministry of Health’s management of the pandemic by establishing national contact-tracing, managed isolation, and undertaking a vaccination programme which saw over 90% of the eligible population fully vaccinated.
Dr Kath Walker received an ONZM for services to wildlife conservation. Dr Walker helped establish bird sanctuaries on Motuara and Chetwode Islands, and discovered the Mount Augustus snail (Powelliphanta augusta). She has worked with DOC to keep this critically endangered species alive in captivity while its natural habitats are restored. Congratulations to all this morning’s recipients.
This afternoon's ceremony welcomed 10 further recipients to Government House Wellington, including Sir Haare Williams, who received a knighthood for services to Māori, literature, and education. Sir Haare is a champion of te reo Māori, and was a pioneer of Māori broadcasting. He is currently kaumātua of Kotahi Rau Pukapuka – an organisation aiming to produce 100 great books in te reo Māori.
Trevor Maxwell received a CNZM for services to Māori and local government. Mr Maxwell has been a Councillor with the Rotorua Lakes District Council for 45 years, and has held many governance roles promoting Māori arts and culture.
Melony O’Connor received an MNZM for services to basketball. Mrs O’Connor has spent 20 of her 40 years in basketball as a referee, and is the first woman to officiate 400 NBL games, including nine finals. Congratulations to all this afternoon’s recipients.
You can find all the images from this afternoon's ceremony here.
Dame Miranda Harcourt received the insignia of a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit this morning for her immense contributions to the New Zealand screen industry and theatre as an actor, acting coach, producer, director, and writer. A pioneer of verbatim theatre in New Zealand, Dame Miranda also served as Head of Acting at Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School from 1998 to 2005, and continues to work globally with leading directors and actors. Long-serving members of Fire and Emergency New Zealand were also acknowledged for their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of their fellow New Zealanders.
For this afternoon’s investiture, 11 further recipients were honoured for their contributions to Aotearoa New Zealand. Among them was Hayden Wano, who received a QSO for services to Māori health. Mr Wano is CEO of Tui Ora, a Kaupapa Māori health and social service provider. Since 1998, Tui Ora has grown to provide over 35 services and programmes in the Taranaki area.
Since he became Rotorua Boys’ High School principal in 1991, Mr Chris Grinter has worked in partnership with Ngāti Whakaue to create a bi-lingual teaching programme, opened a Māori education complex, and opened a boarding hostel for students with challenging backgrounds. Today, Mr Grinter received an MNZM for services to education and Māori.
Rosemary Ensor was awarded a QSM for services to the community. Mrs Ensor has been widely involved in organisations across Hanmer Springs, including the Plunket Group, Pony Club, Community Board and the Hanmer Springs Forest Camp Trust. Congratulations to all this afternoon’s recipients.
Wellington philanthropist Sir Mark Dunajtschik was among 11 recipients honoured at Government House today. Sir Mark received a knighthood for his contributions to the Wellington community, including a substantial donation to help build the newly-opened Wellington Children’s Hospital, Te Wao Nui.
John Darby received an ONZM for services to wildlife conservation and science. Mr Darby contributed widely to the conservation needs of the Hoiho (Yellow-Eyed Penguin), and helped negotiate the purchase of their largest breeding area in the South Island. Congratulations to this morning’s recipients.
This afternoon 12 recipients further recipients were welcomed to Government House, including record-breaking Black Caps batsman Luteru Ross Taylor. Mr Taylor played 450 international cricket matches from 2006-2022, and has been active in promoting Pasifika and Māori cricket.
Janine Morrell-Gunn received an ONZM for services to children’s television and the community. She co-founded WhitebaitMedia, which has produced iconic New Zealand television including ‘The Son of a Gunn Show’ and ‘What Now’.
Kevin Watkins was recognised with a QSM for services to the community. He has built floats for the Hastings Blossom Parade and Christmas Parade since 1957, and created the Chinese Lantern Festival. Congratulations to all this afternoon’s recipients.
This morning’s investiture honoured 11 further recipients, including three-time Rugby World Cup winning Black Ferns captain, Dame Farah Palmer. Dame Farah was honoured for her outstanding contributions to rugby, both on the field and in governance. She is also a Professor at Massey University, and was recently appointed as Pou Ākonga Executive Director – Māori Student Success.
BJ Clark was recognised with an ONZM for his contributions to the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association. Mr Clark was involved with the RNZRSA for 30 years, and has recently concluded an eight-year term as President.
You can find more images from this morning's ceremony here.
Wellington investiture ceremonies continued this afternoon at Government House, with Dame Cindy presenting insignia to 11 further recipients of Royal New Zealand Honours. Mr Paul Morgan was acknowledged for the instrumental role he has played in supporting iwi to build social and economic wellbeing. Father Paulo Filoialii was also acknowledged for his services to the Pacific community through his leadership roles in both the Catholic Church and Etu Pasifika. In 1990, Father Filoialii became the first Pacific Priest to be ordained in Rome.
The Wellington New Year 2023 investitures began this morning, with eleven recipients honoured for their outstanding contributions to New Zealand. Dame Jan Wright was recognised for her services to the State and the environment. Dame Jan was Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment for ten years, and has delivered major reports on climate change.
Outstanding services to the environment, drug harm reduction, health, the State, the community, and social justice were acknowledged.
Jimmy Gordon, QSM for services to the community, is making and gifting poppy bowls to every Returned and Services Association and marae in New Zealand.
This morning, on the grounds of Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy planted a young totara as part of He Rā Rākau Tītapu – marking the coronation of King Charles III. This programme – launched in partnership between Trees that Count and the Department of Conservation – will ultimately result in 100,000 native trees being planted across New Zealand, and aligns with His Majesty's own commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
You can find more images here and Dame Cindy's speech from the event here.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies have concluded their time in London, where they were part of the New Zealand delegation attending the coronation of HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey. Their time in the UK began with a reception on the HMS Diamond with the First Sea Lord, who is the military head of the Naval Service in the United Kingdom.
The following day included a visit to Brookwood Military Cemetery – the final resting place of 230 New Zealanders who died in the First and Second World Wars. Brookwood Military Cemetery is the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the United Kingdom, and is part of one of the largest cemeteries in Europe.
Photo credit - Sergeant Vanessa Parker, NZDF
They also met the New Zealand Defence Force contingent as they prepared to march in the Coronation procession alongside almost 7000 others, 600 being from Commonwealth Defence Forces. Later, Their Excellencies attended a welcome for the delegation representing Aotearoa at the coronation, hosted at the High Commission for New Zealand.
Day three of the visit included engagements at Buckingham Palace, where King Charles and other senior royals welcomed Realm countries for a luncheon. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies also attended a reception for Small Island Developing States, which included representatives from many of New Zealand’s Pacific Island neighbours.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were then hosted for a dinner with their counterparts from Australia, HE General the Hon David Hurley, and Canada, HE the Rt Hon Mary Simon.
Saturday the 6th was the day of the Coronation, where Their Excellencies were joined by over 2000 representatives from around the world to witness this historic occasion. They were led into the Abbey by New Zealand flagbearer Sgt Hayden Smith, who had very recently been to Government House Auckland to receive his DSD for services to the New Zealand Defence Force. The visit concluded with Dame Cindy and Dr Davies in attendance at the Coronation concert.
'Every Anzac Day, we are reminded of the extraordinary courage and selflessness shown by all those who have served their fellow New Zealanders – both at home and abroad. And as we pay our respects this morning, let us also reaffirm our commitment to a future where we may all live freely, in dignity and peace.'
This was the conclusion of the address given by the Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann, Administrator of the Government, at this morning’s Anzac Day Dawn Service. After the moving service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, Dame Helen met with some veterans who were part of the thousands gathered in Te Whanganui-a-Tara to pay their respects.
Later on in the morning morning, Dame Helen attended the Anzac Day National Commemoration at Pukeahu. Distinguished guests and members of the public lay wreaths and poppies at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, while the New Zealand Youth Choir sang beautifully throughout the service.
You can find more images from the Dawn Service here and the National Commemoration here. And you can find Dame Helen's address at Dawn here and at the National Commemoration here.
Today Dame Helen Winkelmann, Chief Justice and Administrator of the Government received the credentials of the following members of the Diplomatic Corps: HE Mr Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus; HE Mrs Dorothy Hyuha, High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda; HE Mr Beka Dvali, Ambassador of Georgia; HE Mr Kemal Muftic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and HE Dr Elias Munshya, High Commissioner for the Republic of Zambia.
Dame Helen presented insignia to eight further Royal Honours recipients this afternoon at Government House Auckland. These outstanding New Zealanders were recognised for their contributions across the fields of plant and food research, powerlifting, the performing arts, Pacific arts and education, community and heritage preservation, defense, and Antarctic heritage preservation. This afternoon's ceremony concluded investitures for the week. Very warmest congratulations to all recipients.
You can see more images from this afternoon's ceremony here.
Olympic and world champion rower Mr Eric Murray was among those acknowledged by Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann at this morning's investiture ceremony at Government House Auckland. Mr Murray, along with Hamish Bond, recorded 69 consecutive wins in the men's coxless pair, and won seven consecutive World Rowing Championship titles. Mr Roger Donaldson also received his insignia for his immense contribution to film – including directing two classics of New Zealand cinema: 'Sleeping Dogs' and 'Smash Palace'. He has since forged a hugely successful career in Hollywood. Dame Helen will also host this afternoon's ceremony as Administrator of the Government, while Dame Cindy is overseas.
This afternoon at Government House Auckland, Sir Anand presented insignia to eight further Royal Honours recipients. Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to ophthalmology, as the first female Professor of Ophthalmology and the second female Professor in any surgical specialty in New Zealand – while Mr Sully Paea received the insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his immense work to improve the lives of Pacific youth in South Auckland. Sincere congratulations to all of today's recipients.
Among those acknowledged at this morning's investiture ceremony in Auckland was the Honourable Mititaiagimene Vivian, who served as Premier of Niue from 1992 to 1993 and again from 2002 to 2008. During his terms, he oversaw Niue's response to Cyclone Heta and the construction of the Niue Foou Hospital. Other recipients were acknowledged for their outstanding achievements and service across social housing, public health, governance, palliative care, the arts, and education.
Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand presented insignia to seven further recipients of Royal Honours this afternoon at Government House Auckland. Dr Bruce Clarkson received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his outstanding academic career in the field of ecological restoration – while Mr George Flavell received the Queen's Service Medal, for services to Māori culture and heritage preservation, through his work to ensure the appropriate management of cultural sites and taonga. Warmest congratulations to all of today's recipients.
You can find more images from this afternoon's ceremony here.
During this morning's investiture ceremony at Government House Auckland, recipients were acknowledged for their achievements and service across a range of disciplines and causes – from hospitality and education, to literature and equestrian. Among those who received their insignia was Ms Michèle A'Court, one of the country's most highly-acclaimed comedians, who has long been blazing a trail for women in the entertainment industry. Mr Michael Barnett was also acknowledged for his significant contributions to New Zealand's business community, including through helping disadvantaged youth gain employment.
Investiture ceremonies continued this afternoon at Government House Auckland, hosted by Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand. Emeritus Professor David Simmons received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his pioneering work on sustainable tourism across both tertiary institutions and government – while Ms Betty-Anne Monga received the insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to music, including as part of the legendary poly-funk group, Ardijah. Many congratulations to all of today's recipients.
You can find more images from this afternoon's ceremony here.
