Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David were hosted to a dinner by the Royal Wellington Golf Club. Governors and Governors-General have had a long association with the Club.
Following on from last week’s dinner for the 11 Defence personnel who have acted as her Aides de
Camp, yesterday evening Dame Patsy thanked New Zealand Defence personnel for their support during her term of office. Army, Air Force and Navy personnel have provided Guards of Honour, cultural parties and bands for ceremonial occasions, including State Welcomes.
Memorable engagements with Defence have included international commemorations, opportunities to meet veterans and current personnel, the naming ceremony for HMNZS ‘Aotearoa’ in South Korea and a subsequent voyage on the ship in New Zealand waters. Other highlights include visiting Defence bases, attending graduation ceremonies – and taking a 10-hour trip on a Hercules to Vanuatu. At the dinner, Chief of Defence AM Kevin Short presented Dame Patsy with the New Zealand Armed Forces award.
To mark the occasion, Government House was lit up with a fireworks display projected on the outside of the building.
Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted the annual Caring Families Aotearoa Excellence in Foster Care awards for some outstanding carers this afternoon. The annual awards recognise carers from around New Zealand going above and beyond for young people in need. Today, 15 outstanding people were recognised for going above and beyond, looking after tamariki and rangatahi in their care.
Deputy Chair of Caring Families Aotearoa Colin Hardgrave put it well when he said that a caring family brings the gift of healing to tamariki and rangatahi, helping to stop hurt kids becoming hurt adults.
Last Friday, following the investiture ceremony at Christchurch Town Hall, Dame Patsy and Sir David went to St George's Hospital for the official opening of the Cressy Wing. The Wing completes the hospital's extensive rebuild programme that was required after the Canterbury earthquakes.
The Cressy Wing includes operating theatres, a laundry, an efficient energy centre and a maternity ward.
Congratulations to the 11 recipients who received the insignia of their honours at a ceremony in Christchurch this morning. Amongst them were HamiltonJet Chairman and Technical Director Mike Hamilton, recognised for services to marine engineering and business and top police officer Inspector Kieren Kortegast. Thank you all for the contribution you have made to your communities and to Aotearoa New Zealand
In February, a scheduled visit to Bluff's Te Rau Aroha Marae was postponed because of Level Two protocols around the size of public gatherings.
After a very special trip to Whenua Hou yesterday to see the kakapo programme in action, which included meeting a five-year old kakapo named Ian, Dame Patsy and Sir David were welcomed at Te Rau Aroha Marae this morning.
Te Rau Aroha is our southern-most marae and is renowned for its unusual octaganal shape (based on on whare-rau - leaf covered dwellings) and the remarkable carvings, sculpture and decorations designed by Cliff Whiting.
Today Dame Patsy recalled the Ngai Tahu Marae she has visited in her term, and acknowledged the opportunities those visits have given her to learn about New Zealand history. Today Dame Patsy also presented Muriel Johnstone with her insignia for an MNZM, visited the local early learning centre and toured the marae vegetable gardens.
To contend with the crisp Wellington weather, Dame Patsy hosted a smaller (warmer) credentials ceremony inside for new Ambassadors and High Commissioners this morning. Presenting their letters of credence were Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica HE Mr Armando Vargas Araya, High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana HE Dr Joseph Nii Sai Coffie-Agoe, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic HE Mr George Papakostas and High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria HE Mr Anderson Nkemakonam Madubike.
Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David attended a meeting of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs at Victoria University. Dame Patsy spoke to an audience of NZIIA members and members of the Diplomatic Corps about the international aspect of the Governor-General's role.
The work the Child Cancer Foundation does is so important to families going through an incredibly stressful time. The driving force behind the fantastic work foundation does are people who generously give their time, knowledge and skills – many in a volunteer capacity. This afternoon Dame Patsy presented four Child Cancer Foundation Honorary Life Membership Awards to recognise the years of service each recipient has given to the foundation and the children they support.
The work each recipient has done ranged from governance expertise, securing buildings for the Foundation after the Christchurch Earthquakes to direct family support.
Earlier in the year, Dame Patsy and Sir David truly enjoyed the opportunity to visit the Aotearoa Art Fair in Auckland. This evening they returned the favour and thanked the “engine room” of people who made the five-day experience a success. The Aotearoa Art Fair (formerly the Auckland Art Fair) highlights contemporary art by bringing together dealer galleries and artists in one space, and is a great opportunity for new artists to showcase their work alongside established names.
Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted staff and supporters of Wellington's City Mission to hear about the Mission's exciting new project, Whakamaru, which will be a community hub in Newtown. When Whakamaru is completed in two years' time, it will incorporate a community cafe, social supermarket and 35 supported living units. Murray Edridge, Wellington City Missioner noted the heavy demands on the Mission's services from a broad sector of society, and said "The time is always right to do what is right".
Dame Patsy formally opened Te Papa's magnificent exhibition of surrealist art from Rotterdam's Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. The 180 works include sculpture, film, paintings, drawings, books, and decorative arts by leading surrealists, including Salvador Dali, Marcel Duchamp, Man Ray, Max Ernst, Luis Bunuel, Rene Magritte and Leonora Carrington. The last significant Surrealist exhibition in New Zealand was in 1970. It is the first time the works in the current exhibition have been shown here.
Australian Governor-General, HE General the Hon David Hurley welcomed Dame Patsy to Canberra as she began a State Visit , the first since trans-Tasman travel resumed.
After the arrival in Canberra, Dame Patsy and Sir David headed to the National Gallery of Australia to see the exhibition 'Botticelli to Van Gogh' and also toured the galry's sculpture garden.
The official programme started on Day Two with an indigenous Welcome to Country ceremony, a ceremonial welcome and a visit to the National Arboretum, with a State Dinner in the evening.
Day Three saw Dame Patsy and Sir David lay a wreath at the National War Memorial and visit the museum before heading to the Australian Defence College to meet New Zealand staff and students. The day ended with a visit to the National Portrait Gallery.
On Saturday Dame Patsy and Sir David departed for Hobart where they visited MONA- The Museum of Old and New Art and the Australian Antarctic Division. The evening was spent at Hobarts grand Government House, where a roaming supper featuring Tasmanian produce as well as treats from the Government House gardens was staged.
This morning Dame Patsy received the credentials of new diplomatic envoys to New Zealand: HE Mr Chann Rotana, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia; HE Ms Satu Mattila-Budich, Ambassador of the Republic of Finland; HE Mr Merzak Belhimeur, Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria; HE Ms Dorcas Makgato, High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana; and HE Ms Pernille Dahler Kardel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a dinner this evening to thank some of the many people who have contributed to the new Wellington Children’s Hospital, which is nearing its final stages of completion.
The stories of the guests attending showed what a fantastic community effort the construction of the new hospital has been. Bill Day, Chair of the Wellington Hospitals Foundation, took the time to thank the many people who had contributed to the new building Among them was Nicolas Volpicelli-Muollo, the Scots College student who successfully fundraised over $50 000 to buy smart TVs to go in the new rooms, and Sue Burnett-Grimwood from Busy Bees Quilters, whose team gift treasured blankets to neonatal babies. Wellington philanthropists Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood also attended this evening; the pair generously donated $50 million towards the construction of the building.
The new hospital, named Te Wao Nui, will care for an estimated 87 000 children each year. It will feature a Weta Workshop-designed mural of a tree of life.
On Saturday Dame Patsy travelled to Whangara to present Professor Sir Derek Lardelli with the insignia for his knighthood. The powhiri featured spectacular kapa haka and waiata by hundreds of people, some of whom had travelled from around New Zealand to attend the ceremony. Sir Derek was honoured for his outstanding achievements as a tā moko artist, visual artist, kapa haka performer, orator, composer, graphic designer, researcher, cultural consultant and educationalist. Following the ceremony, Dame Patsy opened an exhibition of artworks in Whitireia, the wharenui at Whangara.
Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David attended celebrations to mark 25 years of tenancy of the Old Government Buildings by Victoria University of Wellington's Law Faculty. Dame Patsy spoke to an audience of eminent alumni, current staff and students, reflecting on her own experiences as a student and lecturer there, developments in New Zealand law over the last 25 years, and her thoughts on future developments.
Government House was lit up for the return of Matairangi Mahi Toi Artist in Residence Troy Kingi with a preview of his new album "Black Sea, Golden Ladder'.
Created during his residency at Government House, the album is a series of songs about the experiences we all share - birth, love, work, growing old and death.
Number five in Troy's 10-10-10 project of 10 albums in 10 genres in 10 years, 'Black Sea, Golden Ladder' heads off in a folky direction, with collaborator Delaney Davidson providing a touch of country. Special guest choir Ka Hao came onstage at the end, adding a beautiful vocal backdrop for the finale.
Thank you Troy, Delaney and friends for a great show. The album drops at the beginning of June.
Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted Trustees and supporters of Te Papa Foundation for a tour of selected rooms at Government House, focussing on the art, furniture and interior design elements.
Te Papa Foundation was established to support Te Papa's kaupapa as New Zealand's premier cultural institution. Donors to the Foundation have enabled Te Papa to add new features, extend its outreach to schools, and purchase new works.
Dame Patsy hosted a reception to mark Whānau Āwhina Plunket's 114th birthday and International Nurses Day. Dame Patsy helped unveil a portrait of Plunket's wahine toa Mere Harper and Ria Tikini, two midwives who worked closely with Dr Truby-King and were instrumental in the foundation of Plunket. Among the guests were David Ellison and Ros Ellison, the son and grandaughter of the very first Whānau Āwhina Plunket baby Thomas Rangiwahia Mutu Ellison.
Friday afternoon closed the Wellington New Year 2021 investiture ceremonies, with 14 recipients receiving their honours. Celebrated author Elizabeth Knox received a CNZM for services to literature and playwright Victor Roger was awarded an ONZM.
Superintendent John Price also received an ONZM for service to New Zealand Police and the community. Superintendent Price led Canterbury Police response to the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, the 2017 Port Hills fire. He was also Forward Commander for the 2019 mosque shooting response and was Operation Commander during the Christchurch earthquakes.
Professor Dame Cindy Kiro was honoured for services to child wellbeing and education at this morning’s investiture ceremony. Dame Cindy was Children’s Commissioner and University of Auckland’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Māori) before becoming the first female Maori Chief Executive of the Royal Society Te Apārangi.
Leading epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker, a familiar face following his work as part of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Technical Advisory Group, received the insignia of an MNZM.
13 recipients were honoured at this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, including Dame Karen Poutasi, who has been Director General for the Ministry of Health (1995-2006) and Chief Executive of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (2006-2020).
Mr Dickson and Mrs Jillian Jardine both received MNZMs for services to philanthropy and conservation. The Queenstown couple gifted their four-hectare Station property in the Remarkables to Otago University so the area could be used for research. They also gifted a further nine hectares of land to the QEII Trust to be held in perpetuity for conservation.
This morning's investiture ceremony saw 14 people receive the insignia of their honour including former Speaker of the House of Representatives The Rt Hon Sir David Carter and All Black Conrad Smith.
Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a dinner at Government House for Sir Mason Durie, ONZ, who received New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand for his contribution to Maori health initiatives, research, governance, academia and education.
At this afternoon's investiture ceremony, 13 honours recipients were recognised for their outstanding achievements and contributions. They included infectious diseases researcher Professor Stephen Chambers, CNZM; prominent theatre director and educator Murray Lynch, ONZM; and publisher Roger Steele, ONZM.
This afternoon began the Wellington investiture ceremonies honouring the New Year 2021 New Zealand Honours recipients. Among those receiving insignia today were environmentalist Sam Judd, who founded Sustainable Coastlines and actor/producer Peter Elliott.
Sir Mason Durie was also welcomed among the select group of 20 living New Zealanders who hold New Zealand’s highest honour, the Order of New Zealand. Sir Mason is an eminent academic who has contributed enormously to Māori health in New Zealand.
One year ago, traditional ANZAC Day services were replaced by New Zealanders standing at Dawn outside their homes. This year Dame Patsy and Sir David were joined by Chief of Defence AM Kevin Short, Australian High Commissioner HE Patricia Forsythe, Turkish Ambassador HE Mrs Ömür Ünsay and thousands of New Zealanders for the Dawn Service at Pukeahu.
This morning's National Service to mark Anzac Day at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park was attended by military representatives, members of the Diplomatic Corps and several thousand members of the public. Evocative songs from members of the National Secondary Schools Choir were supported by the Air Force Band, and Dame Patsy and Sir David were accompanied also by members of the National Youth Pipe Band on their arrival and departure.
Ka maumahara tonu tātou kia rātou - We will remember them.
We mark tomorrow's Anzac Day commemorations with a message from The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy, Governor-General of New Zealand and His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley, Governor-General of Australia.
Scroll down for video. The text in full
NZGG: Kia ora koutou. Greetings. Anzac Day is an opportunity to remember, reflect and honour those who have served in our Defence Forces.
AusGG: It is also a day that binds Australia and New Zealand. A day to recognise our shared history, our mateship and our commitment to each other. That is why Dame Patsy and I, on behalf of all Australians and New Zealanders, want to again mark Anzac Day together.
NZGG: Last year, marches could not be held, there were no pilgrimages to historic battlefields and we were unable to gather together on Anzac Day. Yet the importance of Anzac Day - to all of us - was still very evident. Despite the pandemic, people found a way to mark the day. In towns and cities across our countries, people rose at dawn and ventured down their driveway to stand and honour the service of our forebears.
We showed out commitment to honouring the Anzac legacy by taking time to stop, remember and say a quiet ‘thank you’ to those who have sacrificed themselves for our nations.
AusGG: If anything, last year showed the relevance of the Anzac legacy to the modern generation.
Anzac Day is about remembering the past and honouring those men and women whose service and sacrifice in conflicts long-passed helped create the world we enjoy today. It is, though, not just about history. It is very much about the here and now.
It is as much about those who serve in uniform today or who have served in recent years as it is about our ancestors who served alongside each other at Gallipoli. Our modern veterans exemplify the Anzac legacy and, through their service, enhance it. Anzac Day is for them.
NZGG: It is a day when our modern veterans and those who are in uniform should know that we are grateful for their service. It is also for their loved ones. The parents, husbands, wives, partners and children who support them – while they serve and in the years that follow. Their love and support and, for some, their sorrow and loss, are part of the story of our military history.
AusGG: On Anzac Day 2021, as we continue to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia and New Zealand will again stop – to reflect, remember and honour those who have served. As we do, we should recognise the unique and unbreakable bond between our countries.
NZGG: We will reflect on the Anzac legacy and how our modern veterans have played their part in taking that history forward.
AusGG: And we should recognise acknowledge the support provided and sacrifice made by the loved ones of those in uniform. Lest We Forget.
