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Browse all sections

  • The Governor-General
    • Biography of The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO
    • Biography of Dr Richard Davies
    • Media statements
    • Speeches by The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro
    • The Governor-General's blog
  • Office of the Governor-General
    • Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
      • About the Coronation service
      • The King of New Zealand
      • Get involved
      • Coronation events
    • Roles and functions of the Governor-General
      • Constitutional role
        • New Zealand’s Constitution
        • Credentials ceremonies
        • The Executive Council
        • The Reserve Powers
        • The Royal prerogative of mercy
      • Ceremonial role
        • Investiture ceremonies
        • New Zealand Royal Honours
      • Community role
      • International Role
    • Conditions of Appointment
      • Administrator of the Government
      • The Governor-General Act
      • The Governor-General's Flag
    • History
      • New Zealand's Governor-General - an historical perspective
      • Former Governors-General
    • Invitations, patronage and cards
      • Invitations for the Governor-General
        • Dress code for Government House events
      • Hosting the Governor-General
      • Order of precedence in New Zealand
      • Applying for vice-regal patronage
      • Current Vice-regal patronages
      • Congratulatory messages
    • Contacting the Governor-General
      • Guidance for writing to the Governor-General
    • Official portraits
    • Royal Commission Reports
  • Government House
    • Government House Wellington
      • Government House tours
        • Accessibility Information
        • Education tours
        • Group tours
        • Upcoming public tours
      • Rooms of Government House
        • Bledisloe Conservatory
        • Blundell and Porritt Rooms
        • Fitzroy Room
        • Galway and guest suites
        • Liverpool Room
        • Main Hallway
        • Maota Ariki
        • The Ballroom
        • The Council Room
        • The Landing
        • The Norrie State Dining Room
        • The Taupaepae
      • Artwork and artifacts
        • Carved coats of arms
      • Government House centenary
      • Government House conservation
        • Conservation rationale
        • The project in detail
    • Government House Auckland
      • Government House Auckland garden tours
        • Group garden tours
        • Upcoming public garden tours
      • Planning your visit and accessibility
      • History of the gardens
    • Other Government Houses
    • Staff at Government House
      • Management of Government House
    • Tours
  1. Home
  2. The Governor-General
  3. The Governor-General's blog

The Governor-General's blog

The official blog of the Governor-General of New Zealand

  • Auckland Anniversary Regatta 2025

    Post date:
    Monday, 27 Jan 2025
    Category:
    Feature

    To commemorate Auckland Anniversary Day, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies joined members of the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Auckland Anniversary Regatta for a luncheon at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, in honour of the iconic Auckland event. The Auckland Anniversary Regatta is New Zealand’s longest continually running sporting event, and is also one of the largest single-day regattas in the world. Auckland’s first regatta was an impromptu race held on 18 September 1840, moving to Auckland Anniversary Day in 1842.  

    For more photos click here: Auckland Anniversary Regatta media gallery.

    Racing in the harbour
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  • Appointment of Mr James Meager to the Executive Council

    Post date:
    Thursday, 23 Jan 2025

    This afternoon at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy authorised the appointment of Mr James Meager to the Executive Council. Mr Meager was joined by colleagues and supporters for the very special ceremony, and will be appointed to his new ministerial portfolios tomorrow.

    Dame Cindy signing the warrant appointing Mr James Meager a member of the Executive Council
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    You can find more images from the ceremony in the image gallery for the appointment of Mr James Meager to the Executive Council.

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  • Visit to Basalt Columns on Rekohu Chatham Islands

    Post date:
    Friday, 13 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    Before bidding the Chathams farewell, Dame Cindy and Doctor Davies found time to go to Ohira Bay on the northwest coast of Rekohu to see a unique geological feature of the island. The bay is ringed with extraordinarily uniform basalt columns, forged by cooling lava millions of years ago. The extremely hard rock was invaluable to Moriori, who developed the skills required to shape it into adzes. 

    Dr Davies and Dame Cindy in Ohira Bay, Rekohu Chatham Islands
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    Dame Cindy exploring the basalt columns on Rekohu
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  • Chatham Islands regional visit - Day Two

    Post date:
    Thursday, 12 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    The first call today was to Kōpinga Marae, where Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were welcomed by Ricki Hapi and Moriori elders. The marae is the centre of the revival of Te Re Moriori, cultural practices and traditions, and promotes the Moriori message of peace. 

    Rana Solomon accompanied Dame Cindy and Dr Davies to see a statue of her ancestor Tommy Solomon, located on the south-eastern tip of Chatham Island. Tommy Solomon’s descendants erected the statue in memory of all Moriori. 

    A visit to the Chatham Islands Health Centre brought back memories for Dr Davies, who spent some years as a Medical Officer on another remote island location, the Falkland Islands. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies met Dr Rex Yule, Principal Nurse Sally Lanauze, and nurses and administrators. 

    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies issued an open invitation to Chatham Islanders to attend a community lunch at the Den, and enjoyed meeting as many people as they could.

    The afternoon provided opportunities to learn more about life on the Chathams with a visit to the Chatham Islands Museum, and discussion with council staff and councillors.

    To read Dame Cindy's speech at the Kopinga Marae, go to this link Kopinga Marae .

    To read Dame Cindy's speech at the Community Lunch, go to this link Community Lunch, Chatham Islands.

    To see images from the day's events, go to this link Chatham Islands Regional Visit - Day Two.

    Their Excellencies with their hosts at Kopinga Marae
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  • Chatham Islands regional visit - Day One

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 10 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies are in Rēkohu/the Chatham Islands for a two-day visit. This morning's weather was perfect for the powhiri at Whakamaharatanga Marae, hosted by representatives of Ngati Mutunga and Hokotehi Moriori Trust. Their Excellencies then visited Te One School to meet many of the children who live on Chatham Island.  Dame Cindy attended a Q and A session with senior students, while Dr Davies was escorted by junior children to see a magical 'wilderness area' of tree-huts, swings and bush trails. After experiencing the tranquility of the renowned Admiral Garden created by Lois and Val Croon, they travelled north to the site of an ancient Moriori village, where they were escorted by Ricki and Cody Hapi, from the Hokotehi Moriori Trust, to see rakau momori in an imposing grove of kopi trees.

    To read Dame Cindy's speech at Whakamaharatanga Marae, go to this link Powhiri at Whakamaharatanga Marae.

    To see images of her visit, go to this link Chatham Islands regional visit - Day One 

    Ricky Hapi, Dame Cindy and Cody Hapi in front of a kopi tree bearing the imprint of a rakau momori
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  • Farewell call from the Ambassador of the United States of America

    Post date:
    Friday, 6 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies received a farewell call from His Excellency Mr Tom Udall, Ambassador of the United States of America, and Ms Jill Cooper this morning at Government House Wellington. In a serendipitous piece of timing, the call included a very special mihi of recognition and thanks led by Associate Professor Te Kawehau Hoskins, Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori, and her team at the University of Auckland.
     
    We thank Ambassador Udall and Ms Cooper for their significant contributions to the relationship between New Zealand and the USA during their time in Aotearoa, and wish them all the very best in their next chapter.
     
    Dame Cindy receiving a gift from His Excellency Mr Tom Udall, Ambassador of the United States of America
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    You can find more images from the call in the image gallery for the farewell call from the Ambassador of the United States of America.

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  • Dinner for the Vice-Chancellors of New Zealand universities

    Post date:
    Friday, 6 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    Last night at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a festive dinner for the Vice-Chancellors of New Zealand's universities – thanking them for their leadership of our tertiary institutions, and wishing them well for the new academic year.

    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies with the Vice-Chancellors of New Zealand's universities
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  • The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi 2024 Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga

    Post date:
    Thursday, 5 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    Last night at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi 2024 Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga. Established in 2003, these awards are the Foundation's highest honour – bestowed to a living circle of 20 New Zealand artists for their lifetime achievements and contributions the arts.
     
    The two newest Icon Award recipients were Tā Pita Sharples – treasured Māori cultural leader, educator, and composer; and Neil Finn – one of the country's most highly-acclaimed musicians. The Harriet Friedlander Residency recipient, also acknowledged last night, was Ayesha Green – a visual artist from Ōtautahi Christchurch.
     
    Dame Cindy spoke of the abiding importance of the arts in her speech: 'We live in increasingly uncertain times, and it is through the arts that we receive the profound comfort of knowing we're not alone; a reminder of the too-often-neglected truth of just how much we share.'
     
    Tā Pita Sharples and Dame Cindy embrace
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    You can find more images from the event in the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi 2024 Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga image gallery and read Dame Cindy's speech in Her Excellency's speech for the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi 2024 Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga.

     
     

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  • Official Visit to New Zealand by His Excellency Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 4 Dec 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies had the pleasure of hosting His Excellency Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, and First Lady Madam Eva Pavlová at Government House Wellington today. President Pavel and Madam Pavlová are coming to the end of a five-day official visit to New Zealand, attending events in Auckland and in Wellington. This marks the first visit to Aotearoa by a President of the Czech Republic since 1995.

    For more photos, click here: Official visit by the President of the Czech Republic media gallery.

    Dame Cindy greets President Pavel with a hongi
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  • Reception for the 50th anniversary of Citizens Advice Bureau Wellington

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 26 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    This afternoon at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of Citizens Advice Bureau Wellington. This wonderful community organisation established its first branch in Newtown in 1974, with the purpose of providing free, confidential, and independent information and advice to anyone who needed it.
     
    Over the past five decades, CAB has reached a number of significant milestones, including the establishment of multiple branches across Wellington, and the ongoing expansion of services to meet the evolving needs of the region. Operating with a team of seven staff members and 125 volunteers, the organisation continues to offer a no-time-constraint, face-to-face service, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to receive the help they need, regardless of their circumstances.
     
    Dame Cindy in conversation with an attendee
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    You can find more images from the event in the image gallery for the reception for the 50th anniversary of Citizens Advice Bureau Wellington and read Dame Cindy's speech via Her Excellency's speech for the reception for the 50th anniversary of Citizens Advice Bureau Wellington.

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  • Royal assent of the Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Bill

    Post date:
    Monday, 25 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    This afternoon at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy gave Royal assent to the Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Bill, making it an Act of Parliament.
     
    The Bill was passed in Parliament last week with a unanimous vote, and provides a new pathway to New Zealand citizenship for a group of Samoans whose citizenship was revoked by the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982. The unanimous passing and Royal assent of this historic Bill marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Aotearoa and Samoa – and for so many whānau across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.
     
    Dame Cindy giving Royal assent to the Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Bill
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  • New Zealand Red Cross National Council Meeting

    Post date:
    Saturday, 23 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    This morning, Dame Cindy attended and spoke at the New Zealand Red Cross Rīpeka Whero Aotearoa National Council Meeting at the Brentwood Hotel in Wellington. The Red Cross is a highly-respected, international humanitarian organisation whose work in Aotearoa spans refugee resettlement services, to disaster and emergency response – and it played a significant role in supporting communities following Cyclone Gabrielle. New Zealand Red Cross also sends delegates overseas to assist in areas where humanitarian assistance is needed, and to build capability within the wider Pacific region.
     
    In her speech to those gathered, Dame Cindy acknowledged the importance of the work of this remarkable organisation: 'On behalf of all New Zealanders, I thank you for your commitment to caring for others and upholding their mana when they need it most.'
     
    Dame Cindy meeting one of the attendees
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    You can find Dame Cindy's speech from the event via Her Excellency's speech for the New Zealand Red Cross National Council Meeting and find more images via the New Zealand Red Cross National Council Meeting image gallery.

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  • Sir George Elliot Tertiary Scholarships 2024

    Post date:
    Friday, 22 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    This afternoon at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies had the great pleasure of welcoming recipients of the 2024 Elliot Tertiary Scholarships. Sir George Elliot was an Auckland businessman and philanthropist who was particularly interested in contributing to the education of rangatahi in Auckland. This scholarship, which began in 1999, helps contribute towards the tertiary education of outstanding school leavers.
     
    Warmest congratulations to India Haldane, Rubylee Greenwood, and Thomas Raybould for their selection as this year’s scholarship recipients. We wish you all the very best as you begin your journey into tertiary education.
     
    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies with the recipients
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    You can find more images from the event via the Sir George Elliot Tertiary Scholarships 2024 image gallery and read Dame Cindy's speech via Her Excellency's speech for the Sir George Elliot Tertiary Scholarships 2024.

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  • Celebrating the Heart Foundation

    Post date:
    Thursday, 21 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    To celebrate the recent achievements made by the heart research community, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted representatives and supporters from the Heart Foundation at Government House Auckland. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in New Zealand, and affects more than 1 in 23 people. Since 1968, the Foundation has been connecting cardiologists with like-minded people concerned about the high rate of heart disease in New Zealand. Through research and funding, they aim to find ways to greatly lessen the impact of heart disease on people living with a diagnosis, and how to prevent it from occurring altogether. 

    For more photos, click here: Celebration of the Heart Foundation media gallery.

    Mike Tomlinson greets Sir Collin Tukuitonga
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  • Aotearoa Circle Hui at Government House Auckland

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 20 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    This afternoon, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the Aotearoa Circle for their end of year hui, celebrating the achievements they have made this year, and looking forward to the future. The Aotearoa Circle is a private and public sector partnership, working together to find practical solutions to the effects of climate change, particularly on our natural resources. In her speech at the hui, Dame Cindy acknowledged the organisation and their achievements so far, saying: “Thank you for giving us hope for a way forward, by encouraging proactive next steps with regard to climate adaptation and the restoration of our vital natural capital”.

    For more photos, click here: Aotearoa Circle Hui 2024.

    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies with the Rangatahi Advisory Panel
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  • Hato Hone St John Investiture in Napier

    Post date:
    Saturday, 16 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    Recently in Napier, Dame Cindy presided over a ceremony investing 15 postulants into the Order of St John. Each postulant was recognised for their outstanding contributions to Hato Hone St John in areas across the organisation, working as staff or volunteers in community health, ambulance operations, clinical standards, peer support, community programmes, local area committees, human resources, and education. Dr Davies was among those recognised at the investiture, becoming a Commander of the Order of St John, reflecting his role as Hato Hone St John’s Patron of Community Health Services.
    At the investiture, Dame Cindy also presented Lily Wilson with the award of National Cadet of the Year 2025.
     
    For more photos, click here: Hato Hone St John Investiture media gallery.
     
    Dame Cindy presents Dr Davies with his Commander of the Order of St John
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  • New Zealand Down Syndrome Association National Achievement Awards

    Post date:
    Friday, 15 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    Yesterday afternoon at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association’s National Achievement Awards – recognising the achievements of three outstanding New Zealanders with Down syndrome, presenting the Val Sturgess National Volunteer Award, and inducting new members into STRIVE, a leadership and advisory group for people with Down syndrome.
     
    Dame Cindy spoke of her deep admiration for those being recognised in her speech: ‘I am so impressed, not only by what you’ve each achieved as athletes and in your professional lives, doing what you love – but also for your desire to lift others up through your example, and for your relentlessly positive attitude to whatever obstacles come before you.’ Very warmest congratulations to all acknowledged in yesterday’s very special ceremony.
     
    Dr Davies in conversation with Hamish
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    You can read Dame Cindy's speech at Her Excellency's speech for the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association National Achievement Awards and find more images in the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association National Achievement Awards image gallery.

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  • Te Anga Pāua o Aotearoa National Kapa Haka Festival

    Post date:
    Thursday, 14 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    This morning, Dame Cindy attended the 2024 Te Anga Pāua o Aotearoa National Kapa Haka Festival at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. Supported by IDEA, New Zealand's largest provider of intellectual disability services, and running over two days, the festival will feature performances by more than 25 rōpū from across Aotearoa in a joyful celebration of kapa haka. The theme for this year, ‘Noku te ao – 75 years living culture’, acknowledges IHC’s 75th anniversary of supporting New Zealanders with intellectual disabilities across our communities.
     
    During her tour behind the scenes, Her Excellency took the opportunity to practice some of her own formidable kapa haka skills with the rōpū from Tauranga. Very warmest congratulations to all performers and supporters of this wonderful festival.
     
    Dame Cindy posing for a photo with one of the performers
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    You can find more images from the event in the Te Anga Pāua o Aotearoa National Kapa Haka Festival image gallery.

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  • Rhodes Scholarship Selection 2024

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    On Thursday last week, Dame Cindy and other members of the Rhodes Scholarship interview panel were tasked with interviewing seven absolutely outstanding scholars, who progressed through the rigorous selection process for this internationally prestigious award. Each applicant is among the top students in their chosen field, while also excelling in other domains, including sports and the arts. Our warmest congratulations to Meredith Ross-James, Tom Swinburn, and Brittany Dick, who are the successful candidates of the Rhodes Scholarship. We wish them all the very best as they undertake their post-graduate study at Oxford University. 

    For more photos of all the finalists, click here: Rhodes Scholarship finalists 2024 media gallery.

    Dame Cindy and Tom Swinburn
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  • Credentials ceremony November 2024

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    This morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed four new diplomatic Heads of Mission for their credentials ceremony at Government House Wellington. A warm welcome to HE Mr Keith Smith, High Commissioner of Canada; HE Ms Ingrid Dahl-Madsen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark; HE Dr Wilson Kipge’tich Kogo, High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya; and HE Mr Janti Kalajoqa, Ambassador of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. We wish them all the very best as they begin their new roles.

    For more photos, click here: Credentials Ceremony November 2024 media gallery.

    HE Ms Ingrid Dahl-Madsen and Dame Cindy Kiro
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  • Probus 50th Anniversary High Tea

    Post date:
    Friday, 8 Nov 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    To mark the 50th anniversary of Probus in New Zealand, Dr Davies hosted members from clubs from all around the country for a celebratory high tea at Government House Wellington. Probus – a community service activity of Rotary Clubs – aims to help people adjust to retirement by connecting its members with fun, friendship, and fellowship. As part of a wider international group, the first Probus club in New Zealand was founded on the Kapiti Coast in 1974, and has since grown to around 140 clubs with 12,000 members.

    To see more photos, click here: Probus 50th Anniversary media gallery.

    To read His Excellency's speech, click here: Dr Davies' speech for Probus 50th Anniversary.

    Dr Richard Davies with Nicky Darlow, David Drake, Silvana Martignago, Margaret Drake, and Michael Ransom
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  • Presentation of the King's and Regimental Colours

    Post date:
    Thursday, 31 Oct 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    Dame Cindy had the exceptionally rare honour of presenting new Colours to the 2nd/1st Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, during a spectacular ceremony yesterday afternoon at Burnham Military Camp. 2/1 RNZIR last received Colours 44 years ago – while a King’s Colour specifically hasn’t been presented to a New Zealand Army battalion since 1937.
     
    While Colours are no longer carried onto the battlefield, they continue to hold important practical and symbolic meaning: serving as unit identifiers, but also memorialising the history and spirit of the battalions which carry them, and the courage and sacrifice of all those who have served throughout their history. These new Colours have the added distinction of including battle honours inherited from New Zealand battalions which served during the First and Second World Wars.
     
    Wishing the current generation of the 2nd/1st Battalion all the very best in this new chapter in their history, as they begin to sew their own outstanding legacy into these beautiful new Colours.
     
    The old Colours being paraded off for the final time
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    You can read Dame Cindy's address from this very special occasion at Her Excellency's speech at the presentation of the King's and Regimental Colours and find more images in the image gallery for the presentation of the King's and Regimental Colours.

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  • Opening of the Christchurch Youth Hub

    Post date:
    Thursday, 31 Oct 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    Dame Cindy had the pleasure of opening Stage One of Youth Hub Christchurch yesterday morning in beautiful Ōtautahi. Through its extensive partnerships and outstanding facilities, the Hub aims to provide extensive, wrap-around support and care to young people in need – from mental health and medical support, to accommodation, to employment and career guidance. The Youth Hub Trust is led by Dame Sue Bagshaw, and this outstanding facility will be the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand.
     
    As Dame Cindy said in her speech, the Youth Hub, and all the immense good it will achieve for the young people and the wider community of Christchurch, embody the whakataukī: 'Poipoia te kakano kia puāwai. Nurture the seed and it will blossom.'
     
    Dame Cindy and Dame Sue unveiling the plaque
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    You can read Dame Cindy's speech from the event via Her Excellency's address at the opening of the Christchurch Youth Hub and find more images in the image gallery for the opening of the Christchurch Youth Hub.

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  • Opening of Whakamaru

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 30 Oct 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    For 120 years, the Wellington City Mission has been dedicated to caring for people in need. This morning Dame Cindy opened WCM’s new home, Whakamaru, which represents a gamechanger in the delivery of housing and social services. Whakamaru is a beautiful, light and sustainable build, with great care and thought evident in every aspect. The goal is to break down the barriers between 'us' and 'them' and create an ‘intentional community’, where Wellingtonians can join manuhiri in using public spaces, including a café, chapel and meeting rooms.  Thirty-five apartments will provide long-term transitional housing, and manuhiri will have access to showers, laundry facilities, a social supermarket, counselling, medical and dental care, and a chapel. The café will operate on a pay as you can basis, and will shift modes at 7pm to become a crisis recovery centre. 

    To see images from the opening, go to this link Whakamaru Opening.

    To read Dame Cindy's speech, go to this link Whakamaru Opening.

    Dame Cindy and Rev Murray Edridge
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  • TG Macarthy Trust Board Meeting

    Post date:
    Thursday, 24 Oct 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    This morning, Dame Cindy welcomed Board Members of the TG Macarthy Trust for their annual meeting and granting strategy review. TG Macarthy was a Wellington businessman who died in 1912, who found success primarily as brewer. Upon his death, he established the TG Macarthy Trust in his will to continue supporting charities and community organisations in the Wellington Region, with a particular focus on helping the disadvantaged, improving education for children, caring for older people, and the provision of medical and emergency services. 

    Dame Cindy with the TG Macarthy Trust

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  • Governor-General's visit to Niue

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 23 Oct 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    Last week Dame Cindy and Dr Davies travelled to Niue to attend the celebrations to mark 50 years of self-government in free association with New Zealand.

    At the Fale Fono II, Their Excellencies met members of the Assembly, and Dame Cindy was seated on a Vice-Regal chair gifted by the New Zealand Government. She delivered a Speech from the Throne that outlined the aspirations and programme of the Government of Niue.

    The 19th of October, Pule Fakamotu (Constitution Day) brought together the people of Niue, Members of the Assembly, leaders of Pacific nations and members of the Diplomatic Corps for a Flag-Raising Ceremony, the presentation of Niue Awards, and the display of a Galue Fafau, an impressive presentation of traditional raw foods.  The day concluded with cultural performances at a Constitution Day concert. You can read Dame Cindy's speech from the very special ceremony via Pule Fakamotu 2024 (Constitution Day Flag Raising) Commemoration speech.

    The following day, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended church in the morning and an evening reception at the New Zealand Official Residence, along with Members of the Assembly and the Diplomatic Corps. You can read Dame Cindy's speech from the event via reception for the Diplomatic Corps in Niue speech. 

    Their final engagement was a church service to celebrate Peniamina Day, which marks the arrival of the first Christian missionary to Niue in 1846. Dame Cindy took the opportunity to reflect on her very special time in Niue – ‘the Rock of the Pacific’. 

    Cutting the cake for the Constitution Day celebrations

    Photo Credit - Office of the Secretary of Government Niue

    © Crown Copyright, Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

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  • Dinner for new Defence Chiefs

    Post date:
    Thursday, 17 Oct 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    This year has seen a new cohort of Defence Chiefs take up their roles: Air Marshal Tony Davies, Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Mathew Williams, Vice Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, Major-General Rose King, Chief of Army, Air Vice-Marshall Darryn Webb, Chief of Air Force, and Major General Rob Krushka, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand.  Last night’s dinner at Government House was the first time they and their partners had gathered together since they took up their appointments. It was an opportunity for Dame Cindy to offer her congratulations, to thank them for services Defence provides for Aotearoa New Zealand, and to wish them well. 

    To view images, go to this link Defence Chiefs Dinner, 2024.

    To read Dame Cindy's speech, go to this link Dinner for Defence Chiefs 2024.

    Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Major General Rose King, Air Marshall Tony Davies, Dame Cindy, Rear Admiral Mathew Williams, General Rob Krushka and Air Vice-Marshall Darryn Webb
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  • Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand 2024 Conference

    Post date:
    Sunday, 13 Oct 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    This morning Dr Davies joined the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand to officially open their 2024 conference. Promoting the study or collecting of currency, medals and other similar artefacts, the RNSNZ was established in 1931. They have played an important role in many of the biggest changes to our currency, including establishing New Zealand’s own coins in 1933, and the later shift to decimal currency.

    At this morning’s event, Gail Romano, curator at Auckland War Memorial Museum, gave a presentation about Sir Gilbert Archey and the medals that reflected his significant contributions to the arts and sciences in New Zealand. Tom Hockenhull, curator at the British Museum, spoke about the lost coins of Sir Hans Sloane. Sir Hans is most notable for bequeathing over 70,000 items to help establish the British Museum, and is also credited for creating chocolate milk.

    For more photos, click here: RNSNZ 2024 Conference Media Gallery.

    The RNSNZ 2024 conference coin
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  • Morning Tea in Appreciation of Local Fire Brigades

    Post date:
    Thursday, 10 Oct 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    Despite the number of firefighters present at Government House Wellington this morning, there was no sign of alarm, as Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted members of the Newtown and Central Fire Stations for morning tea. It was a chance to thank some of our neighbouring emergency responders for the hard work they do keeping Te Whanganui-a-Tara safe. They are part of over 14,000 firefighters across New Zealand, and of that number 11,800 serve as volunteers. 

    For more photos, click here: Fire Bridage Morning Tea Media Gallery.

    Dame Cindy and Lucy giving a speech to the firefighters
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  • Credentials ceremony October 2024

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 9 Oct 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were delighted to host a credentials ceremony for four new diplomatic heads of mission at Government House Wellington this morning. Welcome to HE Mrs Idelta Maria Rodrigues, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste; HE Archbishop Gábor Zoltán Pintér, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See; HE Mr Jaan Reinhold, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia; and HE Mr Ernesto Antonio Duenas Azucena, Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador. We wish them all the very best for their new roles.
    The Guard of Honour and cultural group supporting today’s credentials ceremonies were members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

    To view images from today's ceremony, go to this link Credential Ceremonies October 2024.

    Dame Cindy meeting His Excellency Archbishop Gabor Zoltan Pinter, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See
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  • Investiture Ceremony 2 October 2024 AM

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 2 Oct 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    For this year’s final investiture ceremony, Dame Cindy welcomed nine recipients to Government House Auckland. Among them was Dame Theresa Gattung, who was recognised for services to women, governance and philanthropy. Dame Theresa, who was the first female CEO of an NZX listed company, co-founded the Gattung Foundation to support education and communities, reduce inequality and poverty, and to advocate for animal welfare. She also helped establish Coralus – an organisation supporting female innovators and entrepreneurs.

    Also among those recognised was Silver Ferns icon Temepara Bailey, who has won a World Cup and two Commonwealth gold medals with our national netball team. Warm congratulations to all today’s recipients!

    Temepara Bailey, MNZM for services to netball
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    You can find more images from today's ceremony in the Investiture Ceremony 2 October 2024 AM image gallery.

    Kings Birthday Investiture Ceremony October 2 2024 AM

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  • Investiture Ceremony 1 October 2024 AM

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 1 Oct 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    To begin the final week of investitures at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy welcomed eight New Zealand Royal Honours recipients. Former Queenstown mayor, Jim Boult, received a CNZM for services to local government, tourism and the community. Mr Boult was mayor of Queenstown Lakes District Council from 2016-2022, and has contributed to many community organisations, including the Child Cancer Foundation where he serves as Patron.

    Also among those recognised was journalist Rachel Smalley, receiving an MNZM for services to broadcasting and health advocacy. Ms Smalley has presented current affairs programmes on television and radio for over 25 years, working both nationally and internationally. Warm congratulations to all this morning’s recipients.   

    The photos from today's ceremony can be found here: 1 October AM Investiture Media Gallery.

    Ms Rachel Smalley, Dame Cindy Kiro
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    Kings Birthday Investiture Ceremony October 1 AM 2024

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