Dame Patsy took the Royal Salute and inspected the Guard of Honour at a Beat Retreat and Sunset Ceremony commemorating 175 years of the New Zealand Army at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington this evening. The New Zealand Army Band performed music from the First World War to the current era, with the musical tributes ending with a rousing '1812 Overture', accompanied by the guns of 163 battery, 16 Field Regiment, Royal NZ Artillery. The Last Post and a bagpipe lament rounded off the ceremony.
Dame Patsy broke out the McNeil tartan to attend the New Zealand Pipe Band Championships in Hastings this afternoon.
Accompanied by the Mayor of Hastings Sandra Hazlehurst, Dame Patsy and Sir David watched the finals of the mace flourishing - always impressive - and Dame Patsy also lent a hand with the prize giving.
Today New Zealanders who served in Jayforce were honoured at their first National Commemoration at Pukeahu, and subsequently at an afternoon tea at Government House.
Jayforce personnel served in the occupying forces in post-war Japan, and today marks 75 years since the first contingent arrived from Italy. Subsequent contingents included volunteers from New Zealand. During their time in Japan, the New Zealanders assisted with demilitarisation, repatriation of Korean nationals to Korea, the supervision of returning Japanese prisoners of war and an election where Japanese women voted for the first time.
On their return to New Zealand, the Jayforce veterans received little recognition. It was not until the 1960s that they could join the RSA, and they finally received their service medals in the 1990s.
This afternoon Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted an afternoon tea for the member organisations of Community Networks Wellington who worked tirelesly to support others during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The member organisations encompass more than 400 professionals - and a large number of volunteers - working in the community and social sector in Wellington, Hutt Valley and Porirua, supporting in excess of 10,000 vulnerable people in the community.
With a vaccine now being rolled out to the community, there is some hope that the worst days are behind us. CNW Co-Chair Mike Hinton spoke for everyone when he said we don't know what the new normal will look like but "the goal is a more compassionate and just society."
This morning the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Rt Hon Trevor Mallard came to Government House to present the Address in Reply. The Address in Reply is the House's thanks to the Governor-General for delivering the Government's legislative and policy programme for the new Parliament to consider.
The text of the Address reads as follows: "We the House of Representatives, thank you for the speech addressed to us when you opened this 53rd Parliament. We assure you that the matters referred to in your speech will receive our careful consideration. Ko te tumanako nei kia mahi tahi tatou katoa.
The core role of the New Zealand Police in ensuring people are safe and feel safe is built on a core set of values:
Professionalism
Respect
Integrity
Commitment to Māori and the Treaty
Empathy and
Valuing Diversity.
Today's afternoon tea acknowledged the work that Deputy Wally Haumaha has done over a long career, particularly in the area of commitment to Māori and the Treaty, reaching across te ao Māori to find solutions and connections in some of the most complex and difficult occasions in our country's history.
Today's speakers speakers were supported with some impressive waiata, including a rousing rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Caii-Michelle Baker.
This afternoon a National Remembrance Service - Ko Tātou, Tātou, We Are One - was held in Christchurch to honour those killed and injured in the Christchurch mosque terror attack two years ago.
Speaking alongside Dame Patsy, PM Jacinda Ardern and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel were representatives of the Muslim community, the bereaved families and Muslim youth affected by the event.
Temel Atacocugu - who was shot nine times and still lives with the after-effects, including shrapnel in his body - gave an emotional address on behalf of the injured.
Most moving of all, the roll call of names and photos of the 51 people killed in the attack.
Inzone boarders live close by to Government House Auckland and today's afternoon tea for senior students was a great opportunity to hear about the wonderful opportunities the programme offers to Maori and Pasifika students to access education and explore their potential. Dame Patsy and Sir David enjoyed meeting the students, many of whom come from remote locations in the North Island.
Despite the demands placed on the leadership of public and private sector leaders in the Aotearoa Circle, they have continued their vital work to transform the way New Zealanders live their lives and do business, with the goal of creating a sustainable future. The two forums Dame Patsy hosted at Government House Auckland this week were a chance to get updates on the workstreams (sustainable finance, energy, marine domain and national food strategy), to debate the issues and give feedback, and to hear from guest speakers: Jo Hendy, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Commission and HE Laura Clarke, the British High Commissioner who spoke about the UK's initiatives to combat climate change, and the COP26 meeting in Glasgow this November.
Congratulations to the three Sir George Elliot Tertiary Scholarship winners who were officially acknowledged at Government House in Auckland this morning.
Tess Connolly, Tristan Mona and Madeleine France received news of their selection last year but the original event was postponed due to Covid-19. A familiar story!
The scholarships are awarded to Auckland secondary school students who have demonstrated academic achievement, community leadership and have overcome adverse circumstances.
Good luck with your studies Tess,Tristan and Madeleine!
Congratulations to the Graeme Dingle Foundation who celebrated 25 years of empowering our tamariki and rangatahi to have the bright futures they deserve.
More than 300,000 young people's lives have been touched by the work of the Foundation and guests heard first-hand testimony from Ayla Dellaway about the difference the organisation's programmes had made in her life.
The last speech belonged to Sir Graeme Dingle, who thanked the people who'd been there for the Foundation since the beginning and stated the importance of changing the statistics and making New Zealand the best place for children to grow up.
Dame Patsy and Sir David visited the Auckland Art Fair this morning.
A showcase for dealer galleries and artists, the Fair also offers opportunities for art lovers of all kinds to view one of a kind artworks, attend artist talks and even try some creative 'mark-making' of their own.
Following a welcome by representatives of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Dame Patsy and Sir David's first stop was the Gow Langsford Gallery to take a look at some 20th century works from Frances Hodgkins, Colin McCahon and sculptor Henry Moore.
Galleries from all around New Zealand were represented with some Australian galleries also sending works. Rarotonga's Bergman Gallery was there in person with some stunning work from Mahiriki Tangaroa and Sylvia Marsters which caught Dame Paty's eye.
Another favourite were the Present Tense projects - works from upcoming contemporary practitioners which incorporate objects designed to be given away to audiences. Becky Richard's An Egg, A Seed, A Stone's clay forms are intended to be incorporated in the users everyday life - a pacifier, a comforter, a meditation object. The choice is yours!
Today Dame Patsy went to Christchurch to attend the ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of the earthquake that wrought massive destruction in Christchurch and the Canterbury region. The assembled crowd honoured the memory of the 185 people who lost their lives and the first responders who worked to save people trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings and vehicles. Dame Patsy read a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
At the wharf at Oban, there was a quick check of our luggage by ace rat-detecting dog, Detector Gadget before we boarded the Department of Conservation vessel taking us to Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary for endangered flora and fauna.
On the island, we heard kakariki, and saw kieke, weka, and Stewart Island robins. A juvenile sea-lion watched us eat our lunch, and on the trip back to Oban flocks of titi flew overhead.
DoC staff then drove us to the beginning of the Rakiura track, before returning to the Rakiura Museum, the perfect place to learn about Rakiura's fascinating history from local people whose complex whakapapa reflects the intermingling of nationalities in the island's history.
The visit to Riverton had particular significance as Dame Patsy had recently learned of the slight to the community by Governor James Fergusson in 1874. The Governor had decided to change his itinerary and thereby arrived several hours late for a civic reception and lunch. To add insult to injury, he left the town soon after he had changed his horses.
Dame Patsy's visit to Te Hikoi gave her an opportunity to 'make amends' with the community and to learn more about Southland's heritage of sealers, whalers, loggers, miners, and the intermingling of cultures and personal histories in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Day two of the visit to Southland began at the Eastern Southland Gallery in Gore, home of the extraordinary John Money Collection of African sculptures, Aboriginal paintings and objects, and works by Rita Angus. Dame Patsy and Sir David also saw some of the Gallery's Ralph Hotere collection, as well as a stunning exhibition of contemporary works by Sue Cooke.
Gore's Networking Trust was next on the agenda. Their Excellencies learnt about the different agencies working under the umbrella of the Trust, and their work to improve the wellbeing of youth, families and elderly people in the community.
Then it was back to Invercargill to Transport World to see some of its 300 vintage vehicles, including Henry Ford letter cars, as well as an ever-increasing range of fascinating memorabilia.
The day concluded with a cultural evening with the Southland Multicultural Council, where Their Excellencies met members of ethnic communities that have settled in the region.
Due to the restrictions on gatherings under Alert Level Two, a scheduled powhiri for Dame Patsy and Sir David at Te Rau Aroha marae in Bluff was cancelled and will be re-scheduled at a later date. Dame Patsy and Sir David visited Stirling Point to see the famous international signs and the sculptured chain that symbolises the links between Te Waipounamu/the South Island and Rakiura/Stewart Island.
They then went to Invercargill to meet local supporters of the Southland Charity Hospital, which is being developed at the site of a previous tavern. The project was initiated by Melissa Vining as a memorial to her late husband, Blair Vining, and has attracted financial support from across Aotearoa and around the world.
This evening Dame Patsy hosted a reception for Dress for Success, which works to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing professional work clothing, career development tools and a support network.
Two Dress for Success clients shared their stories with guests and a fashion parade showcased New Zealand designers before turning attention to outfits styled by the Dress for Success team.
The Pop-Up Shop in the Conservatory did bumper business with many guests picking up some fashion bargains.
Despite the blustery weather at Karori Cricket Club, it was a great afternoon for the annual Governor-General’s XI v NZ Māori Schools cricket match. This year, the captains presented Dame Patsy with signed cricket bats as a memento of the day. The two-day competition is designed to give cricket more visibility in Māori communities, and is part of making cricket in New Zealand a game for everyone to get involved in.
While in Wellington, all the teams stayed at Pipitea Marae to have an immersive experiance connecting with tikanga.
The day at Karori ended up being a very sucessful outing for all of the Governor-General's teams; the Womens XI won by 102 runs and the Boys XI won by 15 runs.
Scroll down for video of two of the games, courtesy of New Zealand Cricket's YouTube account.
This morning Dame Patsy hosted a high tea in the ballroom at Government House in Wellington to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Mary Potter Hospice Camellia Heritage Club. The Club was formed to thank and recognise those who have promised a gift in their will to Mary Potter Hospice. In honour of the Club, a special camellia- patterned Foley tea-set was used at Dame Patsy's table with other pieces on display. The Hospice relies heavily on fundraising and gifts and bequests as only around half of its yearly operating budget is funded by the Government.
This year's Waitangi Day Garden Reception was smaller than in other years, but certainly made up for it in terms of a warm sense of community and fellowship. The nearly 500 guests included MPs, four local mayors, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, former Governors-General Sir Anand Satyanand and Sir Jerry Mateparae and former Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer. MC Ward Kamo set the tone for a wonderful afternoon and the grey skies were replaced by sunshine. The Army band played magnificently, Government House Kaumatua Joe Harawira provided a karakia, and Dame Patsy delivered her final Waitangi Day Address in her role as Governor-General, where she spoke of the centrality of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our understanding of who we are as a nation.
Dame Patsy and Sir David began their final day at Waitangi by attending a meeting of the Waitangi National Trust Board. While they were there they were able to have a quick viewing of the He Kaupapa Waka exhibition.
Later it was off to Russell for the annual luncheon with the members of the Diplomatic Corps.
For the final event during her visit to Waitangi, Dame Patsy inspected the Guard of Honour at the 2021 Beat Retreat Sunset ceremony, hosted by the Royal New Zealand Navy. She was greeted on arrival by Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Proctor. Along with more traditional tunes, the Navy band treated the gathered crowds at Waitangi Treaty grounds to their version of Stan Walker’s ‘Aotearoa’ – a particularly appropriate song choice as the ship Dame Patsy is sponsor of, the HMNZS Aotearoa, was anchored offshore.
This evening Dame Patsy was welcomed aboard the HMNZS Otago for a reception as part of the Waitangi celebrations in Northland. She was greeted on arrival by part of the ship’s company and saw a performance from the Navy’s kapa haka group. Chief of Navy RA David Proctor spoke of the many areas the Navy has been assisting with this past year; everything from research in Antarctica to helping with New Zealand’s Covid response efforts.
The reception was also a chance for former Governor-General and the HMNZS Otago’s sponsor, Dame Silvia Cartwright, to see how her ship was getting on.
Dame Patsy also met Te Hemo Ata Henare, who is deputy chair of national weavers’ committee Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa. They organised the weaving of Dame Patsy’s tarapouahi (flax shawl) Hine Maioha, which she wore earlier that day at Te Whare Rūnanga on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
On February 4, Dame Patsy was welcomed on to Te Whare Rūnanga at Waitangi Treaty Grounds for the final time as Governor-General. She was greeted with a stirring pōwhiri while being guided to the mahau by Titewhai Harawira. The speakers included veteran broadcaster Waihoroi Shortland and Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon. In Dame Patsy’s speech, she urged all New Zealanders to visit Waitangi to better understand what it means live in Aotearoa. Also welcomed with Dame Patsy and Sir David was Chief of Defence AM Kevin Short and Chief of Navy RA David Proctor.
On the 3rd of February Dame Patsy attended the unveiling ceremony of a memorial for the 12 British soldiers, sailors and Royal Marines killed at the Battle of Te Ruapekapeka in 1846. The battle was the final of the Northern Wars, fought between around 400 Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Hine warriors against 1600 British armed forces.
The commemoration ceremony, also attended by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and British High Commissioner Laura Clarke, took place on the site where the British troops camped 175 years ago and where the British who fell were buried in a mass grave. The grave was rediscovered in 2017 after an archaeological dig set out to find the missing soldiers.
Those with keen eyes could look up to the Pā at the top of the hill and see where the innovative earthworks and shelters constructed by the 400 Maori defenders shape the landscape to this day.
The commemoration acknowledged all those who fought at Te Ruapekapeka and the different perspectives of the events of that day.
He Rua Whakautu mo te Riri - In remembrance of the Conflict
This morning Dame Patsy received the credentials of new diplomatic envoys to New Zealand: HE Mr Koichi Ito, Ambassador of Japan; HE Dr Hajdin Abazi, Ambassador of Kosovo; HE Mr Ran Yaakoby, Ambassador of Israel; and HE Mrs Maria Belen Bogado, Ambassador of Argentina.
To say goodbye to 2020 and welcome in 2021, Dame Patsy and Sir David attended a Chinese New Year celebration hosted by the Multicultural Council of Wellington.
The festival was held in Te Marae at Te Papa Tongarewa, and included a speeches from Mayor Andy Foster and Deputy Prime Minister Hon Grant Robertson, and performances from many different cultural groups across the Wellington region.
Dame Patsy had the best seat in Te Marae for the opening performance of a Lion Dance, which brings prosperity to the New Year.
Last night Dame Patsy spoke at the International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorations at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. She noted New Zealand's history with Jewish refugees from the Holocaust, the contribution Holocaust survivors have made as immigrants to New Zealand, and her support for the Holocaust Centre's goal to ensure every New Zealand student has an opportunity to learn about the Holocaust before they leave school.
Christmas was in the air as the New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir performed at Government House. Covid-19 may have curtailed the choir's 2020 programme and ruled out a trip to Europe, but the choir's polished performance was a testament to their professionalism and talent.
Joining them for the performance was choir alumna and vice-patron Simon O'Neill, who added his soaring tenor voice to 'O Holy Night' and left guests wanting more with "Nessun Dorma".
Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted one of their final official engagements for 2020 - a reception for the Diplomatic Corps. The reception was originally scheduled for earlier in the year, and had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dame Patsy and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, HE Mr Leasi Papali'i Tommy Scanlan, the Samoan High Commissioner, both spoke about the testing times experienced by people around the world and their hopes for a better year ahead.
