While many New Zealanders worked from home where possible during alert level 4 COVID-19 restrictions, some needed to leave their bubble to ensure a small bit of essential normality took place for our households. A large group of essential workers were supermarket staff, who made sure our shelves were well supplied in the weeks that passed while we stayed home. Dame Patsy met with some of these workers on a visit to New World Thorndon on the 27th of May.
Owner and store manager respectively are brothers Reece and Ash Drake, who recently took over the business from their father Brian. Supermarkets have always been a part of their lives, right from when they were small kids running around the family 4 Square. As with many businesses, they had to adapt from their business as usual to the ever-changing alert level restrictions to ensure their staff and shoppers remained safe. While visiting, Dame Patsy met staff from all areas of the supermarket and heard what it was like working in a customer-facing role during the lockdown period, and heard how they were able to hire more staff to help with such a busy time.
With the sudden alert level 4 announcement, schools had to react quickly to shift learning from the classroom to an online environment. Dame Patsy paid a visit to Government House’s neighbour, Wellington College, to see how the staff and students managed with the drastic changes to their learning environment and how it felt being back in the classroom.
Some of the issues raised were making sure students had access to the devices they would need to learn online from home, making sure students adopted good time management skills and coming to terms with cancelled events they had been working hard towards.
Dame Patsy heard how the teachers and students had embraced online learning through creative techniques like YouTube videos, Zoom catch ups and the kids keeping in contact with each other through the school Instagram account.
During the lockdown, an emphasis was placed on flexible learning, noting that not all kids are in the same situation and their education needed to fit around their home and in some cases work life situations.
This evening Dame Patsy hosted government officials who have been trusted leaders of New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They were particularly appropriate guests for the first dinner since lockdown began, and included Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director General of Health; Sarah Stuart-Black, who led the Civil Defence response to the pandemic; John Ombler, who led the Government's response; and Dr Caroline McElnay, Director of Public Health for the Ministry of Health.
Dame Patsy thanked them for their service and acknowledged the enormous responsibility that they had shouldered. She noted how they had used their expertise and communication skills to instil confidence in their fellow citizens and encourage a sense of collective responsibility for the nation's wellbeing.
On this AIDS Candlelight Memorial day, the COVID-19 virus is obliging us to gather in a virtual space and reflect on the terrible toll of the HIV virus, which has been responsible for over 30 million deaths worldwide since the 1980s.
This year, many of us will see parallels between the early years of the AIDS pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic: the race to collect data and understand the science; widespread fear and anxiety about devastating social, health and economic impacts; and the absence of viable vaccines or antiviral medications.
As with COVID-19, New Zealand was fortunate to experience a low rate of viral infection during the AIDS pandemic, and our numbers of HIV positive tests have remained comparatively low by international standards. However, our rainbow community was hit particularly hard, and continues to bear the brunt of AIDs-related conditions.
This evening, people around New Zealand will join people around the world who will be remembering friends, loved ones and family members whose lives were brought short by HIV/AIDS, before the advent of medications that would have enabled them to live out a normal life-span.
Tonight people will remember also the remarkable resilience of the rainbow community in the 1980s, when HIV-positive people experienced terrible social exclusion and stigma. We will remember their courage and their determined advocacy for research into effective treatment options.
The rainbow community has done much to reduce the lingering stigma experienced by people living with HIV/AIDs – and to promote the message that early testing will also enable early and more effective treatment.
I hope that we can all be inspired by that sense of community spirit, compassion and resolve in our efforts to combat COVID-19.
Dame Patsy is patron of a wide range of charities and organisations. She has recently sent them letters of support, acknowledging that they are working in testing times and have had to adapt how they work in our communities.
One such patronage is the Graeme Dingle Foundation, which plays a vital role in helping thousands of New Zealand children develop confidence and achieve their potential. The Foundation has been recently been listed as an essential service by the Ministry of Social Development. This will allow more flexibility for its services that support the education and youth-justice sectors and help alleviate the sense of dislocation and anxiety that many young people will be experiencing.
Here's an example of how the Foundation has continued its fantastic work in an on-line environment.
He toi whakairo, he mana tangata: Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity.
New Zealanders have turned to music, song and performance to connect with each other in these anxious times. From people joining their neighbours in driveways to sing together in Whakatu, to on-line performances by families, and extraordinary coordinated efforts by musicians across New Zealand, the power of music is giving us inspiration, hope and good cheer.
As Patron of several arts organisations, Dame Patsy invites New Zealanders to follow what these particular patronages are achieving in the virtual realm.
Like other New Zealanders, Dame Patsy and Sir David were unable to attend public commemorations to mark Anzac Day 2020, due to the restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They joined thousands of fellow citizens across the country who chose to stand at dawn in front of their houses in silent reflection.
In an historic first, a video message was recorded by Dame Patsy and the Governor-General of Australia, General The Hon David Hurley. They encouraged the citizens of both countries to find their own way of paying homage to their forebears, and to draw strength from their example as we face our current adversities.
Dame Patsy's Anzac Address was screened on television at 11 am to coincide with the usual time of the National Commemoration at Pukeahu War Memorial Park.
Radio New Zealand re-broadcasted the 2017 National Commemoration, the first where Dame Patsy spoke as Governor-General of New Zealand.
Media advisory on behalf of Dame Patsy Reddy, Governor-General of New Zealand
The Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy, will be donating twenty percent of her salary over the next six months in support of a number of charities.
Dame Patsy says she is making this move to show leadership and support for sectors of the community affected during the pandemic.
“I am very conscious of the impact of the current situation on all New Zealanders and feel it is important to offer support to organisations helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Dame Patsy will be supporting the work of the Order of St John, Women’s Refuge, KidsCan, the SPCA and the Arts Foundation.
As people across New Zealand and the Commonwealth are experiencing unprecedented changes to their lives, concern for family and friends, and financial uncertainty, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I send my enduring thanks to those who continue to put the service of others above themselves, whether by staying at home, providing essential services, or by caring for the most vulnerable.
It is through this sense of community, dedication and faith, that I am confident New Zealanders will rise to the challenge and overcome.
Like other New Zealanders, we are doing everything we can to support measures that will help contain COVID-19.
My constitutional duties will continue, but all community engagements and events in my programme have been postponed.
David and I are sad that we will not be able to help celebrate the service and dedication of outstanding New Zealanders at investiture ceremonies in April and May. These will be rescheduled for later in the year.
We encourage everyone to help our nation get through this challenging time, by following the advice of the Government and its expert advisers, and by looking after yourselves and others in your community.
Kia maia, kia manawanui, kia kaha.
Patsy
As a consequence of the Alert Level 4 restrictions announced today by the Prime Minister in response to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Dame Patsy’s public engagements have been cancelled. Her programme will be re-evaluated when the lockdown has been lifted. Dame Patsy will continue to fulfil her constitutional duties in the interim.
Dame Patsy spoke at a training session for the Returning Officers and Registrars of Electors taking part in this year's General Elections.
Dame Patsy spoke about the Governor-General's role in New Zealand's democratic system and where it sits in the process of forming a Government under the MMP system.
Best wishes to the volunteers, sponsors and food donors supporting the new Kaibosh branch in Paraparaumu. When Dame Patsy opened the premises this evening, she noted how the organisation is a poster child for practical projects that promote sustainability. By redirecting excess food to people who need it, Kaibosh is helping to eliminate food waste and eradicate food poverty. In addition, because that food does not end up in landfills, Kaibosh is also limiting harmful CO2 emissions. Kaibosh is very dependent on volunteers from the community to collect, sort and distribute the food.
Why paint the town red when you can paint it rainbow! The Capital put on a fantastic evening for the Wellington International Pride Parade, bringing together members of the LGBTQI+ community to show their pride and bring their aroha to the thousands lining the streets. Dame Patsy spoke of the recent political battles that have been won by the Rainbow community, such as gay marriage and homosexual law reform, and how we must all work together to continue positive change.
The theme for this year’s parade was “Water: Dive Into your Pride” which saw organisations from Air NZ, the New Zealand Defence Force and everyone in between out in force to wave the rainbow flag and show their support for the LGBTQI+ community.
On the 9th of March, Dame Patsy delivered Her Majesty The Queen's Commonwealth Message for Commonwealth Day. The theme for this year's Commonwealth Day was "Sustainable Future", a message reflected by Speaker of the House, the Rt Hon Trevor Mallard when he read out the Prime Minister's message. He spoke how technology is bringing the Commonwealth closer together than ever before, and the need for New Zealand to be kaitiaki (guardians) for our smaller Pacific Commonwealth neighbours in this environmental climate.
"On Commonwealth occasions, it is always inspiring to be reminded of the diversity of the people and countries that make up our worldwide family. We are made aware of the many associations and influences that combine through Commonwealth connection, helping us to imagine and deliver a common future.
This is particularly striking when we see people from nations, large and small, gathering for the Commonwealth Games, for meetings of Commonwealth governments, and on Commonwealth Day. Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience.
Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to see and hear how membership of the Commonwealth family means so much to those living in all parts of the world, often in places that are quite remote. Advances in technology and modern media have now enabled many more people to witness and enjoy - with remarkable immediacy - this experience of Commonwealth connection, in areas such as education, medicine and conservation.
Looking to the future, this connectivity means we are also aware, perhaps as never before, that wherever we live, our choices and actions affect the well-being of people and communities living far away, and in very different circumstances. For many, this awareness awakens a desire to employ our planet’s natural resources with greater care, and it is encouraging to see how the countries of the Commonwealth continue to devise new ways of working together to achieve prosperity, whilst protecting our planet.
As members of this very special community, on this Commonwealth Day, I hope that the people and countries of the Commonwealth will be inspired by all that we share, and move forward with fresh resolve to enhance the Commonwealth’s influence for good in our world.
Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a dinner for members of the Order of New Zealand at Government House in Wellington.
The ONZ is New Zealand's most senior honour and recognises "outstanding service to the Crown and people of New Zealand in a civil or military capacity".
Among the guests - Professor Sir Lloyd Geering; Dame Malvina Major, the Rt Hon Helen Clark; Dame Margaret Bazley; Joy Cowley, Sir Ron Carter; Professor Sir Peter Gluckman; Ken Douglas; Jim Bolger; the Rt Hon Sir Kenneth Keith
This morning, Dame Patsy and Sir David were delighted to shine a spotlight on some of the good people who open up their homes as foster carers to children who are neglected or abused. The annual Caring Families Aotearoa Excellence in Foster Care Awards recognise people whose patience, care and love help to provide structure and security to such children and set them on a path to a better future. As always, the citations of the 2020 recipients are inspirational.
How can we help society be more cohesive? How can we strengthen personal resilience to deal with rapid change? How can we make good decisions about our adoption of new technologies? How can we counter misinformation and make sure people can access information that they can trust? What kind of trade-offs are required if we are to live sustainably? These issues, identified by a panel of international experts as being critically important, are the research themes at the new Centre for Informed Futures, based at Auckland University, and working with New Zealand and international affiliates. The Director is Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, ONZ and the Deputy Director is Dr Anne Bardsley. Research will be multi-disciplinary and is intended to inform policy development. Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted the launch of Koi Tu at Government House Auckland this evening.
Four of New Zealand's best were inducted into the Massey College of Creative Arts Hall of Fame at a ceremony at Government House this evening.
The Hall of Fame celebrates graduates of the College who have made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s economy, reputation and national identity.
Photographer Anne Noble, artist and educator the late Gordon Tovey, film editor Annie Collins and musician Jon Toogood were the 2020 inductees.
The College also announced the establishment of the College of Creative Arts residencies fund, which will be used to support the College's existing arts residencies and new residencies in design, and music and creative media production.
Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a lunch for some of the key figures behind the New Zealand Festival of the Arts, currently taking place in Wellington. Dame Patsy was delighted to welcome the three guest Festival curators Lemi Ponifasio, Laurie Anderson and Brett McKenzie along with a small group of artists and administrators.
The Aotearoa Circle is attracting increasing numbers of leaders in the public and private sector who recognise the urgent need to address the wellbeing of our natural resources, while finding ways to pursue sustainable prosperity. Dame Patsy is Patron and hosted a meeting of Circle members in Auckland on Wednesday. We were inspired by their commitment to work together for change.We heard from visiting UK environmentalist, Sir Jonathon Porritt (son of a previous Governor-General, Sir Arthur Porritt) and received an update on Aotearoa Circle work-streams focussing on biodiversity, finance for sustainable business initiatives, and the marine environment. https://www.theaotearoacircle.nz/
Dame Patsy did the honours at the official opening of the new McKinnon Block at Wellington's Scots College this afternoon.
The new block is the third major achievement in the school's recent change programme which has also included the admission of girls to the senior school and a curriculum overhaul.
The McKinnon Block is named for former Scots College Headmaster and Wellington identity Ian McKinnon and wife Jenny.
Highlights of the opening was the first ever performance of the Kairangi Chorale (the Scots College choir) and a waiata sung by the entire staff.
The sun came out to play when our friends from Newtown Kindergarten visited for a picnic in Coronation Grove at Government House, Wellington. The trees made for an excellent game of hide-and-seek for some, while others went hunting for cicada shells and sampled fruit from the orchard. It's a great opportunity for these inner city kids to explore and learn about nature in an area nearby. The Kindergarten has been visiting every year for nearly 20 years, it’s always a pleasure to have them stop by.
Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a reception for State Services Commission Crown Entity Board Chairs at Government House in Wellington this evening.
Crown entities include an incredibly wide range of New Zealand institutions from universities and health boards to organisations like the Broadcasting Standards Authority and the Independent Police Conduct Authority. As Dame Patsy said, crown entities represent a key point of contact with the government for many New Zealanders. They also account for over $40 billion of expenditure every year and collectively are the largest employer of state servants - a huge part of the New Zealand labour force.
Dame Patsy thanked the board chairs and their organisations for their commitment to serving the public of New Zealand.
Today, Dame Patsy and Sir David watched the Governor-General’s XI versus the NZ Māori Schoolboys and Schoolgirls at the Karori Cricket Club in Wellington. This is the second year the Governor-General’s XI has played the NZ Māori Schoolboys. As last years match was such a sucess, the 2020 game had the addition of three girl’s teams as well.
While the Governor-General’s XI teams were mainly made up of promising Wellington cricketing talent, the NZ Māori Schools teams were nominated from Whangārei, Dunedin and everywhere in between.
In the end, the NZ Māori Schoolgirls XI won both matches they played, and the Governor-General’s XI won by 69 runs over the NZ Māori Schoolboys.
This evening, Dame Patsy hosted a reception for the Downtown Community Ministry’s 50th Birthday. DCM has been a safe, supportive environment for rough sleepers in Wellington since 1969, providing essential services like mental health and medical care, financial advice and an outreach programme. Their ultimate goal is helping people in to stable accommodation and ensuring they are supported in their journey along the way.
Both Dame Patsy and DCM Director Stephanie McIntyre praised the increased funding organisations such as their own have had to help end homelessness, but the major issue now is finding enough appropriate housing.
The reception at Government House this evening brought together many of the people and organisations who have worked with DCM to help end homelessness in Wellington.
While visitors to Government House Wellington are treated to familiar sites like the ballroom or the reflection pool, a wander off the beaten track can uncover something unexpected. Click through to see some of our lesser-known areas.
Dame Patsy hosted a networking reception for SheEO at Government House in Auckland. SheEO is a women-led inititative that raises investment capital and distributes it to women-led businesses in the form of interest-free loans.
Five ventures are chosen a year in each SheEO region, with the organisation having helped 63 businesses to further success since being founded in 2015.
SheEo founder Vicki Saunders spoke of how difficult it can be for women-led businesses to attract financing and how this in turn leads to good ideas being wasted.
Guests also heard from SheEo Venture leader Sue De Bievre, CEO of Beany who spoke of the importance tof SheEO support for the growth of her company.
Today Dame Patsy and Sir David attended the ceremony to mark the return of Pūkaha Reserve to Rangitāne, as part of the iwi's Treaty of Waitangi settlement.
As representative of the Queen of New Zealand, Dame Patsy spoke about the beginning of a new chapter for Rangitāne. During the ceremony, Dame Patsy wore a korowai, incorporating weka and kiwi feathers. Woven by Rose Bittle, the cloak took three years to complete.
After Dame Patsy spoke, the korowai was handed to Jason Kerehi, Chairperson, Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā Trust and from him to each succeeding speaker. The korowai will be permanently displayed in the Pūkaha Visitor Centre.
Today's ceremony marks the beginning of a year of celebration for Rangitāne. 12 months from now, they will officially gift Pūkaha to the people of New Zealand
