Credentials ceremonies continued on this beautiful afternoon at Government House Wellington, with three further diplomatic Heads of Missions being welcomed to Aotearoa New Zealand: HE Mrs Chitralekha Yadav, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal; HE Mr António Luvualu de Carvalho, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola; and HE Ms Patricia Teran Basso, Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador.
Very best wishes to all new Heads of Missions in carrying out their important duties.
On this bright autumn morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy was delighted to receive the credentials of five new diplomatic Heads of Mission to New Zealand: HE Mr Mongkol Visitstump, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand; HE Ms Muanpuii Saiawai, High Commissioner of the Republic of India; HE Mr Karl Stouthuysen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium; HE Mr Innocent Muhizi, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda; and HE Mr Alisher Kayumov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
On Wednesday morning, to begin Her Excellency’s time in Nelson, Dame Cindy was welcomed onto Whakatū Marae with a beautiful pōwhiri. The pōwhiri marked the beginning of a three-day visit to Nelson and Tasman where Dame Cindy will be meeting with local community groups, innovative businesses, schools and cultural institutions.
In her speech, Dame Cindy remarked: ‘one of the greatest privileges of my role is meeting those many New Zealanders around the country giving their time, energy, and talents in the service of others. Across these encounters, I am continually reminded of the strength and care that underpins our communities – values I so clearly feel here, at Whakatū Marae.’
Following their official welcome at Whakatū Marae, Their Excellencies visited the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, where they listened in to a special rehearsal by the orchestra, and joined in song with the NelSONG Wellness Singers for a rendition of Pōkarekare Ana.
The visit was a reminder of the joy of nurturing creativity, and the importance of access to the arts for all members of our communities, including older New Zealanders. Warmest thanks to all those who shared their time and talents today.
Continuing Her Excellency’s first day in Nelson, Dame Cindy visited Multicultural Nelson Tasman, a local organisation providing support for migrants and former refugees through educational programmes, cultural events and workshops.
Dame Cindy enjoyed a dance performance from members of Multicultural Youth Nelson Tasman before meeting with those who have chosen to make their home here in the Nelson region. As Dame Cindy remarked, New Zealand is all the more rich in culture, diversity and kindness for your being here.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies have been longstanding supporters of the Garden to Table schools programme, with Dame Cindy serving as patron of the Trust. Their Excellencies were delighted to visit Birchwood School and participate in their Garden to Table programme, helping tamariki with planting seeds, preparing fresh vegetables and cooking delicious fritters. Garden to Table helps tamariki recognise the benefits of preparing and eating healthy kai and gives them the skills to grow and nurture gardens.
To begin their second day in Nelson, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the beautiful Brook Waimārama Sanctuary – the South Island's largest fully-fenced eco-sanctuary. During Their Excellencies' walk into the Brook Valley, they learned about the sanctuary's vital biodiversity and conservation efforts, and introduced themselves some of the kākā soon to be released.
Her Excellency took the opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of volunteers, and the generosity of the community in protecting native species and preserving the region's natural heritage for future generations.
Continuing their second day in Nelson, Their Excellencies visited the Nelson Women’s Centre, a community hub offering practical support for women. The Centre provides counselling, access to social workers, workshops, group events and is a safe place for women to drop in for a chat or kai.
Dame Cindy enjoyed a tour of the facilities and met some of the wonderful women who support the Centre before contributing to a shared piece of art being worked on by those in the Art Circle workshop.
Following their time at the Nelson Women's Centre, Their Excellencies visited the Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū, where they were given a tour by renowned photographer Craig Potton and Gallery Director Toni MacKinnon.
One of New Zealand’s oldest galleries, the Suter holds a very special place in our nation’s cultural landscape – a space that recognises and celebrates the vital role of the arts in shaping and understanding identities, sparking joy, and connecting people through shared stories and experiences.
In a very special ceremony that reflected the centrality of the blue economy to the Nelson region, Her Excellency was honoured to officially open The Blue House – a new hub designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Dame Cindy was joined by Nelson Mayor Hon Dr Nick Smith, Tasman Mayor Tim King, Westpac CEO Catherine McGrath, and key members of the Nelson marine economy.
The Blue House will bring together a range of businesses working to harness the growing economic, environmental and scientific potential of the ocean industry.
To conclude Her Excellency's second day in Nelson, Dame Cindy hosted a reception for emergency services personnel, first responders and other community supporters who have been on the frontline of recent severe weather events in the region. The event was a chance to thank those who have been integral to supporting their community through what have been difficult times.
The attendees were just a small portion of those who have contributed their time, skills and resources over the past few years when the region has needed it most.
As Dame Cindy noted in her speech: ‘I am aware there have also been many ordinary heroes whose bravery and selflessness in the most difficult of situations remains largely unacknowledged – but is no less appreciated. Their acts, and your acts, point to a profound love for this community and its people.’
To begin their final day in Nelson, Their Excellencies had the joy of visiting Pic's Peanut Butter, where they met legendary founder, Pic Picot. Pic shared his remarkable story, telling of how he began grinding peanuts in his garage, and grew the business into the internationally-recognised brand it is today.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies also witnessed the fascinating process of transforming peanuts into the final product, and learned about the significant positive impact Pic’s is having on the local community.
To conclude their visit to Nelson Tasman, Their Excellencies visited Wakefield School – the oldest school in the region. Their Excellencies were treated to a rousing mihi whakatau, accompanied by a beautiful kapa haka performance from the students. Dame Cindy enjoyed hearing about the history of the school and their vision for the future as told by the students.
Our deepest thanks to all throughout the Nelson region who have so warmly and generously opened their doors and shared their stories with Dame Cindy throughout the week.
On Thursday evening, Dame Cindy hosted over 250 plumbers, gasfitters, drainlayers at Government House to mark 125 years of Master Plumbers.
Master Plumbers was established in 1901, and since then has provided continuous development and promotion of the plumbing trade in New Zealand. The organisation seeks to support excellence of its members through mentorship and training, and advocates for public health and safety.
This reception was a chance for those working within the trade from across the country to come together and celebrate this significant milestone.
Dame Cindy hosted a reception at Government House Auckland to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Te Papa Foundation Foundation.
Te Papa Foundation works to preserve our precious national taonga and funds world-leading research. The careful preservation of our history, culture and natural flora and fauna is so crucial to our sense of identity as New Zealanders.
Guests were treated to a presentation from Te Papa’s Curator of Botany Dr Carlos Lehnebach about the vital work being undertaken to document, care for and protect our beautiful botanical taonga.
On Tuesday night at Government House Auckland, Dr Davies hosted a launch for the new book ‘Kiwis in Climate – Voices for Climate Solutions’. This is a publication that brings together over thirty voices from innovative New Zealanders leading the way in sustainability.
The book sets out a bold and practical vision for the sustainable future of New Zealand and demonstrates how mitigation and adaption to the impacts of climate change is necessary for the prosperity of our communities.
The launch brought together a panel of New Zealand climate innovators who discussed solutions for green energy, the road to net-zero emissions, and Aotearoa's potential to become an environmental innovator.
Dame Cindy hosted a reception at Government House Auckland for Global Women’s newest Life Members: Rt Hon Helen Clark, Hon Margaret Wilson, Dame Theresa Gattung and Dame Ranjna Patel. These four outstanding women have all made indelible impacts throughout their careers as leaders in New Zealand.
Global Women is a not-for-profit organisation founded to accelerate women’s leadership and influence across New Zealand. The organisation currently has over 400 members working across a range of sectors to drive diversity, equity and inclusion.
On Saturday, Dame Cindy hosted the 50th reunion of the Sir Denis Blundell Police Cadet Wing at Government House Wellington. The class of 1976 was the first to receive vice regal patronage and the first to graduate from Government House.
The Sir Denis Blundell cadet wing was also the first to undertake 12 months of training, whereas previous courses had been 18 months. Those who were under the age of nineteen at the time of graduation would be posted as cadets to continue their training in the field.
Dame Cindy quoted from the graduation programme from 1976 where Sir Denis noted: ‘for the proper discharge of your duties, there is required of each of you such qualities as compassion, understanding and a sense of fair-play to go hand in hand with the need for firmness and fearlessness when these are required’.
The reception was a wonderful opportunity to reminisce, reconnect and share memories of that graduation day 50 years ago. You can read Dame Cindy's full speech here, and view more images from the reception here.
Last night, Government House Wellington was filled with the sound of beautiful voices as Dame Cindy hosted the Dame Malvina Major Foundation's 35th anniversary celebration. The evening featured performances from some of the country's most talented singers, showcasing the exceptional artistry fostered by the Foundation.
Dame Malvina’s own legendary voice and legacy of supporting young New Zealand singers have left an indelible mark on our country's cultural life, and her commitment to nurturing talent has allowed generations of performers to pursue their dreams in the great opera houses of the world.
Very warmest congratulations to the Dame Malvina Major Foundation on this milestone anniversary, and wishing you all the very best for the future.
Last night in the Banquet Hall at Parliament, Dame Cindy attended a celebration of Commonwealth Day, honouring the shared values and ideals of the Commonwealth of Nations.
During the event, Her Excellency delivered His Majesty King Charles III's Commonwealth Day Message, which emphasised the importance of caring for one another and the planet we share. The evening also included performances by Sam Manzanza and cultural groups from Wellington East Girls’ College, as well as moments of reflection and prayer led by representatives from Wellington's faith communities.
In his message for this year, His Majesty, Head of the Commonwealth, said: 'We join together on this Commonwealth Day at a time of great challenge and great possibility. Across our world, communities and nations face the increasing pressures of conflict, climate change and rapid transformation. Yet it is often in such testing moments that the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth is most clearly revealed.'
This morning, Dr Davies attended the annual SS Ōtaki commemorative wreath laying at Ōtaki College. This event honours those who lost their lives in the 1917 sinking of the SS Ōtaki and remembers all who have been lost at sea.
The theme for this year’s ceremony was centred on women at sea in times of war. With yesterday being International Women’s Day, it was fitting to reflect on the important, but sometimes forgotten, role women have played in the story of the Merchant Navy in wartime.
As Dr Davies said in his speech: 'Everyday people don't go out in search of opportunities to be courageous - more often than not they will find courage when circumstances demand they do - whether it be in peace or war.'
You can read the full speech here, and view more images from the event here.
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 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.”
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.
