Dame Cindy recently hosted staff from Wellington City Mission at Government House Wellington. Staff enjoyed a tour of the house before meeting with Dame Cindy (and Pebbles and Lucy).
Wellington City Mission has been a fixture of the Wellington community for over a century. They provide a range of services to those that need it including necessities like a warm shower, a bed to sleep in and a cooked meal.
Wellington City Mission has long been a cause close to Dame Cindy’s heart, and she enjoyed the opportunity to talk to staff about the important work that they do.
This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy received a farewell call from the British High Commissioner to New Zealand, HE Ms Iona Thomas, and her husband, Mr Matt Thoume.
Ms Thomas has been serving in New Zealand since July 2022, and we wish her all the very best in her next role.
Last night at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted the launch of Dwell Housing Trust's 'It Starts With Home' campaign, which seeks to change the narrative around social and community housing in Aotearoa.
As an organisation, Dwell's goal is to create communities where people want to live, by establishing creative and sustainable housing and partnerships – and their new campaign highlights how stable, secure homes can be the foundation for personal success, wellbeing, and thriving communities.
As Dame Cindy remarked in her speech, underlying the importance of the Trust's ongoing work: 'Ko te whare e hanga te tangata, ko te tangata e hangaia e te whare. The house builds the people, and the people build the house.'
Dame Cindy recently hosted a reception at Government House Wellington to mark the 50th anniversary of Life Flight.
Life Flight has been providing life-saving aeromedical assistance to the North Island and Lower South Island since its founding in 1976.
The reception was a chance to bring together and profusely thank Life Flight staff, volunteers, sponsors and community supporters who all contribute to the running of this charitable organisation. In her speech, Dame Cindy quoted the whakataukī: Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua - those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.
As Government House is a close neighbour of Wellington Hospital where the Westpac Rescue Helicopter regularly lands, Dame Cindy was gifted a pair of earmuffs to help with the noise!
You can view images from the reception here, and read Dame Cindy's speech here.
This morning, Dame Cindy spoke at the Electoral Commission national training for Electorate Managers as part of their preparation to deliver the 2026 General Election. Dame Cindy’s speech touched on the importance of the role that Returning Officers play as well as her own constitutional responsibilities as Governor-General throughout the election period.
This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy received the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned Te Tira Ārai Urutā. Established in December 2022, the Inquiry aimed to capture those lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and help New Zealand prepare for future pandemics.
The Governor-General, also Commander-in-Chief, received outstanding support from the New Zealand Defence Force during her official visit to Tokelau – travelling aboard HMNZS Canterbury, with transfers to and from each atoll conducted via NH90 helicopters and RHIB vessels.
Sincerest thanks to the entire ship's company of HMNZS Canterbury for your tireless work of the highest standards, which enabled such a safe and successful visit, and for your ongoing service on behalf of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies spent their third and final day in Tokelau on Atafu, as part of ongoing centenary celebrations. Their Excellencies were greeted with a joyful array of colour and song, before having the opportunity to meet with community members and leaders, and hear their aspirations and concerns for the future.
In her own address, Dame Cindy reflected on Tokelau’s achievements over these past 100 years, and the strength of the bond between our peoples, quoting the whakataukī: 'Tokelau, tāofi mau tau aganuku, ko tō pale tēnā. Tokelau, holdfast to your culture, that is your crown.'
Sincerest thanks to all those who made Their Excellencies’ time on the beautiful atolls of Tokelau so special, and all best wishes for the future.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies continued their official visit to Tokelau with a day of poignant celebrations on Nukunonu. Their Excellencies had the pleasure of spending time with elders, women, and church leaders, as well as with tamariki – hearing about the community’s aspirations, and the values that shape life on the atoll. Those values – grounded in shared responsibility, and a commitment to family and collective wellbeing – have been at the heart of Tokelau’s enduring relationship with New Zealand over this past century.
During their time on Nukunonu, Their Excellencies also had the opportunity to visit Matiti School, St Joseph’s Hospital, and the Tokelau Renewable Energy Expansion Project, which will enable Tokelau to once again generate the vast majority of its electricity from renewable sources.
On Their Excellencies’ first day of their official visit to Tokelau – marking the centenary of the unique relationship between New Zealand and Tokelau – Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the beautiful atoll of Fakaofo.
Their Excellencies received a spectacular welcome at the Fakafoto (meeting house), followed by meetings with the Taupulega (council of elders) and Fatupaepae (women’s group). Dame Cindy and Dr Davies then had the chance to visit Fenua Fala Hospital and Tialeniu School, where they met with students and teachers who had prepared a very special performance for the occasion.
This afternoon in Apia, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies had the pleasure of meeting with His Highness, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II, the Head of State of Samoa, and His Good Lady, Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimaleali’ifano. His Highness and Her Excellency exchanged gifts, and took the opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the bond between New Zealand and Samoa.
Their Excellencies are in Apia preparing to board HMNZS Canterbury tomorrow, before travelling on to Fakaofo, Nukunonu, and Atafu for celebrations marking the centenary of New Zealand’s unique and very special relationship with Tokelau.
Last week Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited Urupukapuka Island, where Project Island Song is paying such huge dividends for our native flora and fauna. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies met some of the good people who have helped to create a beautiful pest-free sanctuary on the seven islands in the eastern Bay of Islands. It's an inspirational example of what can be achieved when communities, iwi, local landowners and Department of Conservation staff work together, along with their willing canine helpers, to eradicate pests and enable native species to be reintroduced and thrive.
The Dawn Service in front of Te Whare Rūnanga at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds brings people together to reflect on the thoughts and hopes of our forebears who were involved in formulating, debating and signing our nation's founding document, 186 years ago. At this year's service, Dame Cindy was amongst leaders from across Aotearoa who contributed karakia and readings, which included a contemporary English translation of the original te reo Māori text of the Treaty. The MC for the service was Bishop Te Kitohi Pikaahu, and music was provided by the Ratana Band and the Salvation Army.
This afternoon at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Kororāreka, Russell, Dame Cindy hosted a luncheon for the diplomatic corps. A traditional element of the Governor-General's Waitangi Week programme, this luncheon offers diplomatic representatives to Aotearoa New Zealand the opportunity to learn more about our history and national day.
As Dame Cindy remarked in her speech: 'I hope that your time here in the beautiful Bay of Islands, and the conversations and experiences that you have, will give you a deeper sense of the significance of this special place, and offer some inspiration for your own roles as your respective countries’ representatives to New Zealand.'
The Iwi Chairs Forum is holding its annual meeting at Waitangi, and last night Dame Cindy took the opportunity to touch base with iwi leaders at a reception she hosted at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The evening concluded with Dame Cindy and Bayden Barber joining the band and the MCs in leading joyful singing of waiata.
This morning at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended a meeting of the Waitangi National Trust Board, which is responsible for administering the historic site. Their Excellencies heard about the Trust's ambitious plans for the future, with a view to the bicentenary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 2040.
This afternoon, to begin Her Excellency's time in the beautiful Bay of Islands for Waitangi commemorations, Dame Cindy was welcomed with a stirring pōwhiri onto Te Tiriti o Waitangi Marae. The pōwhiri marked the first time that Her Excellency had visited the historic and newly-developed marae during her term as Governor-General.
In her address, Dame Cindy remarked on the deep manaakitanga she felt, and her reflections on Te Tiriti as Governor-General: 'I am sure that the true measure of a nation is to be found in our capacity for generosity and selflessness; and to be there for one another, across all boundaries of difference and diverse experiences as iwi Māori and tangata Tiriti – just as the Treaty asks.'
One of the Governor-General's constitutional roles is to receive the credentials of new Ambassadors and High Commissioners to New Zealand. A credential is the formal letter from an Ambassador or High Commissioner’s Head of State appointing them as their diplomatic representative.
This morning at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy received the credentials of three new diplomatic Heads of Mission to New Zealand: HE Mr Rogelio Cucalón García, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama; HE Mr Clifford Borg-Marks, High Commissioner of the Republic of Malta; and HE Ms Samija Šerifa, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia.
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.
