On Monday, Auckland Anniversary Day, Dame Cindy attended a luncheon in celebration of the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta at the Navy Museum in Torpedo Bay. The luncheon was attended by members of the Regatta Committee and the Royal New Zealand Navy who have been long-standing collaborators.
The Regatta is the oldest continually occurring sporting event in New Zealand and was first held on 18 September 1840. Each Governor and Governor-General of New Zealand has served as patron of the Auckland Anniversary Regatta Inc.
Although not a typical sunny Auckland summers day, sailors and spectators alike braved the conditions for a day of friendly competition in the Waitematā Harbour.
You can read Dame Cindy’s speech here and view photos from the luncheon here.
On Sunday, Dame Cindy attended a commemoration in Auckland to mark the UN International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This is an annual event hosted by the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand to honour and remember the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and all those persecuted under the Nazi regime in Europe.
The theme of this year’s commemorations is Bridging the Generations – the Holocaust and its Legacy. In recognition of this, Dame Cindy lit a memorial candle accompanied by Bnei Akiva and Habonim Dror youth movement representatives.
You can read Dame Cindy’s speech here, where she called for each of us to act with kindness and integrity in all that we do: “Today, as we remember millions of people who were victims of the very worst of human nature, we owe it to their memory to continue to work for a better world, a world where difference is embraced, where we stand up for truth, justice and humanity.”
Earlier this week, Dame Cindy hosted a morning tea for Justice Susan Glazebrook who is retiring after more than 25 years of public service. Dame Susan has served as a Judge of the Supreme Court for the past 13 years and has acted as Administrator of the Government on several occasions.
Dame Susan was accompanied by her husband Mr Greg Kane and Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann.
Last week, Dr Davies hosted nineteen recipients of the Boys’ Brigade King’s Badge and four recipients of the Girls’ Brigade Queen’s Award at Government House. This is the highest attainable youth award in each of these organisations and is achieved through dedicating significant time to a range of tasks including community work and church involvement.
As Dr Davies noted in his speech: "I implore you to go forth in your chosen careers guided by all that you have learnt during your time in the Girls’ and Boys’ Brigade. Let your faith, discipline and courage lead the way, but do not forget the sense of fun and adventure you have gained in the process."
You can read Dr Davies full speech here, and view images from the event here.
On Friday, Government House hosted 300 tamariki from Mt Cook School for a picnic as part of the school’s 150th birthday celebrations. Dame Cindy was treated to kapa haka, dance and musical performances by the school before cutting a birthday cake to mark the occasion.
Following the ceremony, tamariki enjoyed the beautiful Wellington day to take part in activities on the lawn including egg and spoon, three-legged and sack races. The day was topped off with a visit from Mr Whippy!
On Tuesday, Dame Cindy attended the launch of historian Charlotte Macdonald’s new book, Garrison World. Charlotte is Professor Emerita of History at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading historians.
Garrison World explores the lives of soldiers and sailors stationed in New Zealand and across the British Empire throughout the nineteenth century. It places the New Zealand Wars within the framework of imperial power as well as creating a detailed understanding of how the garrison contributed to a settler economy and society.
As Dame Cindy noted in her speech, "one of the most illuminating aspects of Garrison World is Charlotte’s astute recognition that we are more inclined to be curious about the life of the individual, rather than the broader and more well-known ideals of empire that they serve."
The Defence Force Person of the Year award celebrates individual success and recognises organisational excellence. The 2025 NZDF Person of the Year, Acting Petty Officer Kristen Kotuhi received her award, a bronze statue of a huia feather, from Dame Cindy and the Chief of Defence, Air Marshal Tony Davies at a ceremony at Government House this afternoon. Petty Officer Kotuhi was selected from award winners in the following categories: Sailor of the Year, Soldier of the Year, Aviator of the Year, Civilian of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Safety Person of the Year, Outstanding Sport Award, Innovation of the Year, Reservist of the Year and SQNLDR Rule Memorial Trophy for Inclusion. Congratulations to Petty Officer Kotuhi, the individual award recipients, and top recruits who attended the event.
The Auckland International Seafarers Centre provides a welcoming space for international merchant navy crews to relax and unwind after long voyages and arduous schedules. Yesterday Dr Davies formally opened the Centre’s new premises in a building provided by the Auckland Harbour Board, and with funding from Maritime New Zealand. Dr Davies, who spent over two years as a cadet officer in the British Merchant Navy, observed in his speech “that seafarers, on whom we all depend to put food on our plates, cars on our roads, gas in those cars, most of the goods that fill our shops, have become invisible. Rarely seen, over the horizon, they are easy to ignore, invisible”.
On Saturday, Dame Cindy took up the role of Reviewing Officer for the 2025 New Zealand Commissioning Course. 35 graduates, including 10 international students, have completed a gruelling 11-month long course and will now join the Army as officers.
A stunning day in Waiouru enabled family and friends to get a look at Ngāti Tūmatauenga | The New Zealand Army’s newest leaders as they marched on parade accompanied by the New Zealand Army Band.
The Neurological Foundation funds ground-breaking research in the interest of making a positive impact to the 1 in 3 New Zealanders living with a neurological condition. Yesterday at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy presented the inaugural Programme and Platform grants to four leading researchers: Dr Erin Cawston, Associate Professor Jack Flanagan, Professor Sue Stott and Professor Lynette Tippett.
These grants will fund vital, visionary science that has the potential to transform the lives of thousands of New Zealanders. Congratulations to all of the recipients and thank you for your ongoing contribution to the New Zealand neurological research community.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were welcomed onto Scott Base on Friday afternoon, within the southernmost part of the Realm of New Zealand – the Ross Dependency – beginning a five-day visit to Antarctica.
The climate of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean has a direct impact on the climate of New Zealand and the rest of the world. During their time on the ice, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies had the opportunity to meet with scientists helping us to better understand these connections – including Dr Sarah Seabrook, of Earth Sciences New Zealand, who is investigating how aquatic microbial communities are responding to environmental change, to help develop strategies to protect Antarctica's unique and precious ecosystems.
Their Excellencies also met Dr Inga Smith, of Otago University, whose work focuses on sea ice formation, which will lead to a greater understanding of the impact of changing sea ice conditions on Earth's climate.
Dame Cindy serves as patron of the Antarctic Heritage Trust– an organisation which is committed to protecting and preserving Antarctica’s unique heritage, and inspiring a new generation of explorers. In August last year, the Governor-General hosted the launch of the Trust’s historic Scott’s Discovery Hut Virtual Reality Experience, and during her time in Antarctica, Her Excellency was delighted to see those same scenes in person.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies also visited Shackleton's Hut and Hillary’s Hut, and spoke with the Trust’s Executive Director, Francesca Eathorne, as well as world-leading conservators, to hear more about the Trust’s important work on the ice.
During Their Excellencies’ time on the ice, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies had an opportunity to hear about the redevelopment of New Zealand's Scott Base from Professor Jordy Hendrikx, Chief Executive of Antarctica New Zealand, and Project Manager Abigail Richards – as well as the US-NZ collaboration on a new pier at the United States' McMurdo Station.
In a continuation of the science theme, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies learnt about the work being done monitoring ozone levels in the solar atmosphere, studying the history of sea life under the ice sheet via ice core samples (up to 300,000 years old), and understanding the functional attributes of Antarctic sea sponge communities.
Their Excellencies also had the opportunity to have dinner with representatives from the United States National Science Foundation, as well as leaders from Scott Base and McMurdo Station.
Over the last year, ShelterBox International has provided emergency shelter to 3 million people who had lost their homes due to conflict or natural disaster. Rotary Clubs around the world raise funds to support this vital work. Last night former Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand hosted New Zealand Rotarians at a gala dinner at Government House, celebrating 25 years of ShelterBox relief work, and the invaluable support provided by Rotarians to ShelterBox Aotearoa New Zealand. Members of the Wellington Community Choir performed joyful songs from countries where ShelterBox has operated.
The Royal Society Research Honours Aotearoa recognise New Zealand academics and scholars who have achieved excellence in their chosen fields. This week at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy presented awards to eight researchers for their outstanding contributions across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Distinguished Professor Wickliffe Abraham FRSNZ, from the Department of Psychology at the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, received the prestigious Rutherford Medal, for his work to deepen our understanding the neural mechanisms of memory formation, as well as for his leadership across the neuroscience community, both in New Zealand and internationally. Very warmest congratulations to all recipients of these Honours.
This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies received a call from Cathrine Lloyd and Jo Dixey of the Association of New Zealand Embroiderers' Guilds, which promotes and encourages participation in the art of embroidery at all levels. During the call, Their Excellencies were presented with a gift of handkerchiefs beautifully embroidered with the patterns of New Zealand native flowers.
This morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the National Commemoration of Armistice Day at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. Their Excellencies laid a wreath on the headstone of the Unknown Warrior before two minutes silence was observed at eleven o’clock.
As Dame Cindy noted in her speech: ‘Armistice Day is marked as Remembrance Day in many countries, and I think it is fitting that we commemorate it as such. As we continue to see conflict around the world, it has never been more important to remember the lessons of history. That we choose to gather today and remember a moment of peace – rather than a declaration of war – speaks of these peaceful aspirations.’
Justices of the High Court of Niue are appointed by the Governor-General. This morning the proud family of Judge Damien Hohepa Stone witnessed the ceremony where he was appointed and sworn in as a Justice of the High Court of Niue by Dame Cindy, in the presence of Chief Justice Craig Coxhead of the High Court of Niue; Ms Peleni Talagi, Secretary of Government; and Mrs Emi Hipa, Director of Foreign Affairs.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the Kingdom of Tonga to represent New Zealand at celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Tongan Constitution. On their first afternoon, Their Excellencies were delighted to meet Dame Valerie Adams, who has proud Tongan heritage and is also in Tonga for the celebrations.
On Tuesday evening, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended a reception celebrating 55 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Tonga at the New Zealand Official Residence. As Her Excellency remarked in her speech: 'Ours is a friendship that has endured through times of crisis and need; that thrives across the areas of trade, defence, education, religion, and sport; and that is embodied by those most precious bonds of family which span our two countries.'
The following morning, at Lakalakaimonu Estate in Tongatapu, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended a very special groundbreaking ceremony for a new Tongan Parliament building – the Fale Alea ‘o Tonga. The building will be developed in partnership between New Zealand, Australia, and Tonga, and has been designed to honour Tonga's rich culture and heritage, while remaining climate resilient.
In the afternoon, Dame Cindy paid her respects at the Mala’ekula Royal Tombs, where monarchs of Tonga and their immediate family have been buried since 1893. The Governor-General joined His Majesty King Tupou VI, as well as other foreign dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps, in laying a wreath.
On the final morning of their visit, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were delighted to meet with New Zealanders working in Tonga across a range of government agencies and NGOs, to hear about their experiences on the islands.
Their Excellencies then travelled to the Hungalu 'o Pea Community Hall for a very special event with Komiti Fakama’unga and Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau'u Tuku'aho, which included a viewing of beautiful tapa cloths and a traditional tau'olunga cultural presentation.
You can find more images from across the visit in the image gallery for the official visit to the Kingdom of Tonga. Sincerest congratulations to Their Majesties and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga on this milestone in your nation's proud history.
This evening at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a reception for the United Nations Association of New Zealand, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter. The evening was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, and included a spectacular performance by the Hiwa Crew and presentations by UN youth representatives.
In Her Excellency's speech during formalities, Dame Cindy spoke of her hope for the future: 'I am above all inspired by those young people I meet, filled with such energy and optimism, who so clearly see that we are bound together: that our society’s wellbeing, and the wellbeing of our planet, are contingent on the wellbeing of us all.'
The New Zealand Nurses Memorial Fund was established in 1917 as a tribute to New Zealand nurses who lost their lives on service during the First World War. While Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were in Dunedin, they took the opportunity to meet members of the Fund's committee, and learn more about its work to provide financial assistance to nurses and midwives who are suffering hardship. To be eligible, applicants must be a practising or retired New Zealand nurse or midwife who has completed at least two years of full-time service after registration.
Seven courageous Otago people were presented with Bravery Awards at this afternoon's investiture ceremony in Dunedin. In May 2021, they intervened to try and stop a knife attack in a Dunedin supermarket, and as a result, several of them suffered severe injuries. Their bravery was recognised with the award of the following Honours: The New Zealand Bravery Star (for an act of outstanding bravery in a situation of danger); the New Zealand Bravery Decoration (for an act of exceptional bravery in a situation of danger; and the New Zealand Bravery Medal (for an act of bravery).
Services to various sporting codes was a strong theme amongst the fourteen Honours recipients acknowledged at this morning's investiture ceremony in Dunedin. They included Olympic gold medalists Hamish Bond CNZM (cycling) and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe ONZM (rugby); Clive Power ONZM (swimming); Pauline Luyten MNZM (rugby); Roy Sloan MNZM (game-hunting); David Richmond KSM (athletics and cricket); and Geoff Lienant QSM (sports administration). Distinguished dentistry academic Emeritus Professor Murray Thomson received a CNZM for his services to oral health.
This evening, Government House Auckland hosted a reception to farewell the New Zealand Winter Paralympic Team ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Paralympians #158 and #188, Adam Hall and Corey Peters, will take off next month for a winter of training on the European slopes prior to the Paralympic Winter Games getting underway from 6-15 March 2026.
Wishing Adam, Corey and the team at Paralympics New Zealand all the very best for these coming months of preparation, and for the Games themselves come March next year. Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui. Be strong, be brave, be steadfast.
New Zealand's precious moths and butterflies are threatened by loss of habitat, the use of pesticides and the predation of introduced pests. The Moths and Butterflies of NZ Trust was established 20 years ago and encourages New Zealanders to make their gardens more moth and butterfly friendly. The Trust visited Government House grounds earlier this year and certified the site as an excellent habitat that provides food for different stages in the insects' life cycles. Tonight Dr Davies hosted a reception for the Trust, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. He was presented with a plaque and a 1928 edition of G.V.Hudson's beautifully illustrated "The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand".
This evening at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a reception celebrating the 20th anniversary of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine – the National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa. For 20 years, Te Tātai Hauora o Hine has been striving to improve health outcomes for women and babies in New Zealand, with a particular focus on equity and the needs of Māori and Pacific communities.
Warmest congratulations to Professor Bev Lawton and your team, for all you have achieved, and all those lives and communities you have so positively impacted over these years.
Established in the will of Thomas George Macarthy, a successful Wellington brewer, the TG Macarthy Trust supports charities and community organisations throughout the Wellington region, with a focus on children’s education, disadvantaged communities, and medical and emergency services.
This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy welcomed the TG Macarthy Trust Board for its annual meeting and grant strategy review.
This evening at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a reception celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. Established in 1965, the Trust supports New Zealanders to travel overseas with the aim of broadening their knowledge and expertise across a range of fields, for the benefit of their communities and New Zealand as a whole.
A Churchill Fellow himself, Dr Davies shared some of his experiences and insights, visiting clinics and outreach centres across the United Kingdom and Ireland, to understand how primary healthcare could be improved for people experiencing homelessness.
This evening saw the inaugural presentation of the New Zealand Animal Distinguished Service Award to Merenia Donne MNZM, founder of Kotuku Foundation Assistance Animals Aotearoa (KFAAA). The Award recognises the courage and devotion of Nikita, her German Shepherd dog. In the aftermath of a serious car accident, Nikita rescued Merenia, and subsequently acted as her assistance dog. Ms Donne founded KFAAA in Nikita's memory, and is the principal trainer of the Foundation's disability assist dogs.
This morning, Dame Cindy returned to her alma mater, Rutherford College, to be inducted into the school's newly-established Hall of Distinction. Her Excellency was joined by fellow inaugural inductees: entertainer Pio Terei, actor and director Oscar Kightley, netball coach Yvonne Willering, and neurologist Professor Alan Barber.
In her speech of encouragement to students, Dame Cindy quoted Queen Elizabeth II: 'Today we need a special kind of courage, not the kind needed in battle, but a kind which makes us stand up for everything that we know is right, everything that is true and honest.'
In the final investiture ceremony for this round, eight outstanding New Zealanders were honoured at Government House Auckland this afternoon. Among them were Mrs Laurinne Laing, MNZM, who has volunteered with the Special Olympics Howick-Pakuranga Club for 35 years, and Mr Johnny Kumitau, MNZM, who has dedicated his career to building and supporting Pacific communities. Husband and wife John and Lily Coleman each received their KSM insignia for services to the community and sport.
Warmest congratulations to all of this round’s recipients, each of whom in their own way embodying the whakataukī: 'Manaaki whenua, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua. Care for the land, care for the people, and go forward.'
Dr Susan Parry and Mr Mark Vela each received their ONZM insignia this morning at Government House Auckland, in recognition of their services to gastroenterology, and to mental health care and education. Other recipients were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the Nepalese community, the fashion industry, the arts, women’s studies, health research, ethnic communities, social work, and Māori.
Seven outstanding New Zealanders received their Royal Honours insignia today at Government House Auckland for their services to the veterinary profession, the prevention of family violence and the community, business, the ski industry, the Niue community and the arts, people with disabilities and the transgender community, and the Cambodian community. Warmest congratulations to all recipients.
