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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This afternoon's investiture ceremony brought investiture week in Tāmaki Makaurau to a close.
Congratulations to the final seven recipients who received the insignia of their honours for services to neuroscience and education; health; sustainable business and harness racing; education; agriculture and the community and people with disabilities.
Acknowledging more notable New Zealanders for their services to Aotearoa - including business supremo Rob Fyfe and former Split Enzer and guitar pedal inventor Paul Crowther.
Congratulations to the seven recipients at this morning's ceremony who were recognised for services to business and tourism; philanthropy, education and health; education; music; sustainable business and Fair Trade; and conservation.
The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Professor Dame Juliet Gerard, received her damehood this morning at Government House Auckland. Dame Juliet was appointed to the role of Chief Science Advisor in 2018, following Sir Peter Gluckman. She is currently a professor in the School of Biological Sciences and Chemical Science at the University of Auckland, specialising in protein science.
One of our most well-known athletics coaches was also recognised today with Arch Jelley receiving a CNZM. He has coached several of our most famous runners, including Olympians and multiple national champions.
This afternoon New Zealand's State Memorial Service for HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was held in Wellington's Cathedral of St Paul. Dame Patsy delivered the eulogy and the Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, delivered a reading.
One of Aotearoa’s most well-known singer/songwriters, Sir Dave Dobbyn, received his knighthood today at this morning’s investiture ceremony. He was recognised for his distinguished career which began in 1979 when he fronted Th’Dudes, DD Smash in the 1980’s and also a decades-long solo career.
Among those joining Sir Dave was barrister Denise Ritchie, a barrister who has done incredibly important work to prevent sexual violence and exploitation of children and Professor Ian Reid for his research focused on osteoporosis.
Former Kiwi Ferns captain and three-time New Zealand Rugby League women’s player of the year Honey Hireme was among the recipients receiving their New Zealand honours this afternoon at Government House Auckland.
She was joined by six other recipients, including Bishop of Te Tai Tokerau The Rt Rev Te Kītohi Pikaahu. At age 37 when he was appointed in 2002, he held the distinction of being the youngest bishop in the global Anglican community.
Former Green Party Member of Parliament Keith Locke also received an honour for services to human rights advocacy.
This morning six recipients were honoured at their investiture ceremony in Auckland, as well as the family of one recipient who had sadly. Recipients include Distinguished Professor Marson Conder, for his contributions to mathematics and Afamasaga Vaafusuaga Telesia Alipia, who has done amazing work in Pacific early childhood education.
Dame Patsy discovered a connection to one of this morning’s recipients, Mr Rowan Garrett, who received his QSM for services to brass bands. Mr Garrett and Dame Patsy’s father, Neil Reddy, were both foundation members of the Kerepehi Brass Band in 1946. Mr Garrett joined the band as a 10 year old and has been a member for the past 70 years.
This afternoon began the Auckland investiture ceremonies celebrating the New Year 2021 New Zealand honours recipients. Seven recipients were honoured today, including Dr Sally-Ann Harbison, for services to forensic science and Rosslyn Noonan, for services to human rights. Ms Noonan was Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission and is currently Vice-Chairperson for Amnesty International New Zealand.
Receiving Aotearoa’s highest honour, the Order of New Zealand, was Dame Anne Salmond. She joins a very select few who have been conferred with the Order of New Zealand, which is Aotearoa’s highest honour.
There are only 20 living members of the Order at any one time and insignia are passed on from previous recipients. The insignia Dame Anne received was last worn by Dame Te Atairgangikaahu, Te Arikinui of Tainui from 1966 to 2006.
Dame Anne, who is Professor of Maori Studies and anthropology, is a former New Zealander of the Year, and highly regarded for her work as an eminent historian, presenter, advocate and teacher.
Dame Patsy hosted a reception for patronage organisation Sister Cities New Zealand, as they celebrated 40 years of global connection and diversity.
There are close to 160 sister city relationships currently active in New Zealand, encompassing cities and regions in around 24 countries.
Sister Cities New Zealand aims to foster international understanding in order to encourage an exchange of education and culture, and where possible, tourism and trade as catalysts for mutual economic growth.
Congratulations on 40 years of encouraging friendship and co-operation.
Dame Patsy received the credentials of the new diplomatic envoys from Thailand and Turkey at Government House in Wellington. The Guard of Honour and Maori Cultural Group were supplied by the Royal New Zealand Navy.
The Royal New Zealand Airforce Band provided the music.
Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted Public Sector leaders, including Chief Executives of Government Ministries, Departments and agencies. She thanked them for their responsiveness over a particularly challenging year.
Today Dame Patsy and Sir David travelled to Manaia Marae on the Coromandel Peninsula, where Dame Patsy conferred the insignia of a knighthood on Justice Sir Joe Williams, the first Maori to be appointed as a judge in the Supreme Court. Hundreds of people came to celebrate Sir Joe's accolade, and the guests included the Chief Justice, Dame Helen Winkelmann, Supreme Court judges, the Hon Nanaia Mahuta, and Dame Tariana Turia.
Following the investiture, a future-focussed wananga in the afternoon focussed on topics such as Crown-iwi partnerships, wellbeing, education, and tikanga in dispute resolution. Dame Patsy was one of the speakers, reflecting on her experience representing the Crown - as a Chief Crown Negotiator and in her current role as Governor-General.
Following on from the successful Auckland event, it was Government House Wellington's turn to host members of Sweet Louise for morning tea this week.
Sweet Louise is a charitable organisation who help people with incurable breast cancer live as long as possible, as well as possible.
The charity provides free support to anyone diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, through meetings, one-on-one support and help with essential items.
Around 32 members of Sweet Louise and staff were given a guided tour of the House followed by a morning tea.
Dame Patsy and Sweet Louise CEO Cathrin Devonald spoke, with Dame Patsy talking about her memories of the original Louise, Louise Perkins, who lived with a terminal diagnosis of breast cancer for 10 years and whose husband Scott launched Sweet Louise to honour her memory and support others in the same position.
This morning, Dame Patsy had the privilege to welcome members to Government House Auckland for a special morning tea (extra special for one member, as it was her birthday!)
Sweet Louise is a charitable organisation, with the main aim of helping people with incurable breast cancer live as long as possible, as well as possible. The charity provides free support to anyone diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, through meetings, one-on-one support and help with essential items. A large part of what they do is provide their members with positive experiences.
Sweet Louise was created by Scott Perkins in the memory of his late wife Louise, who passed away in 2004 after being diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years prior. Dame Patsy, who was her friend, spoke of Louise’s positivity and love of new adventures. Sweet Louise does amazing work helping others living with breast cancer share the positivity that defined the charity’s namesake.
They currently assist around 750 people in New Zealand living with advanced breast cancer, the majority being women.
Dame Patsy took the Royal Salute and inspected the Guard of Honour at a Beat Retreat and Sunset Ceremony commemorating 175 years of the New Zealand Army at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington this evening. The New Zealand Army Band performed music from the First World War to the current era, with the musical tributes ending with a rousing '1812 Overture', accompanied by the guns of 163 battery, 16 Field Regiment, Royal NZ Artillery. The Last Post and a bagpipe lament rounded off the ceremony.
Dame Patsy broke out the McNeil tartan to attend the New Zealand Pipe Band Championships in Hastings this afternoon.
Accompanied by the Mayor of Hastings Sandra Hazlehurst, Dame Patsy and Sir David watched the finals of the mace flourishing - always impressive - and Dame Patsy also lent a hand with the prize giving.
Today New Zealanders who served in Jayforce were honoured at their first National Commemoration at Pukeahu, and subsequently at an afternoon tea at Government House.
Jayforce personnel served in the occupying forces in post-war Japan, and today marks 75 years since the first contingent arrived from Italy. Subsequent contingents included volunteers from New Zealand. During their time in Japan, the New Zealanders assisted with demilitarisation, repatriation of Korean nationals to Korea, the supervision of returning Japanese prisoners of war and an election where Japanese women voted for the first time.
On their return to New Zealand, the Jayforce veterans received little recognition. It was not until the 1960s that they could join the RSA, and they finally received their service medals in the 1990s.
This afternoon Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted an afternoon tea for the member organisations of Community Networks Wellington who worked tirelesly to support others during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The member organisations encompass more than 400 professionals - and a large number of volunteers - working in the community and social sector in Wellington, Hutt Valley and Porirua, supporting in excess of 10,000 vulnerable people in the community.
With a vaccine now being rolled out to the community, there is some hope that the worst days are behind us. CNW Co-Chair Mike Hinton spoke for everyone when he said we don't know what the new normal will look like but "the goal is a more compassionate and just society."
This morning the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Rt Hon Trevor Mallard came to Government House to present the Address in Reply. The Address in Reply is the House's thanks to the Governor-General for delivering the Government's legislative and policy programme for the new Parliament to consider.
The text of the Address reads as follows: "We the House of Representatives, thank you for the speech addressed to us when you opened this 53rd Parliament. We assure you that the matters referred to in your speech will receive our careful consideration. Ko te tumanako nei kia mahi tahi tatou katoa.
The core role of the New Zealand Police in ensuring people are safe and feel safe is built on a core set of values:
Professionalism
Respect
Integrity
Commitment to Māori and the Treaty
Empathy and
Valuing Diversity.
Today's afternoon tea acknowledged the work that Deputy Wally Haumaha has done over a long career, particularly in the area of commitment to Māori and the Treaty, reaching across te ao Māori to find solutions and connections in some of the most complex and difficult occasions in our country's history.
Today's speakers speakers were supported with some impressive waiata, including a rousing rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Caii-Michelle Baker.
This afternoon a National Remembrance Service - Ko Tātou, Tātou, We Are One - was held in Christchurch to honour those killed and injured in the Christchurch mosque terror attack two years ago.
Speaking alongside Dame Patsy, PM Jacinda Ardern and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel were representatives of the Muslim community, the bereaved families and Muslim youth affected by the event.
Temel Atacocugu - who was shot nine times and still lives with the after-effects, including shrapnel in his body - gave an emotional address on behalf of the injured.
Most moving of all, the roll call of names and photos of the 51 people killed in the attack.
Inzone boarders live close by to Government House Auckland and today's afternoon tea for senior students was a great opportunity to hear about the wonderful opportunities the programme offers to Maori and Pasifika students to access education and explore their potential. Dame Patsy and Sir David enjoyed meeting the students, many of whom come from remote locations in the North Island.
Despite the demands placed on the leadership of public and private sector leaders in the Aotearoa Circle, they have continued their vital work to transform the way New Zealanders live their lives and do business, with the goal of creating a sustainable future. The two forums Dame Patsy hosted at Government House Auckland this week were a chance to get updates on the workstreams (sustainable finance, energy, marine domain and national food strategy), to debate the issues and give feedback, and to hear from guest speakers: Jo Hendy, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Commission and HE Laura Clarke, the British High Commissioner who spoke about the UK's initiatives to combat climate change, and the COP26 meeting in Glasgow this November.
Congratulations to the three Sir George Elliot Tertiary Scholarship winners who were officially acknowledged at Government House in Auckland this morning.
Tess Connolly, Tristan Mona and Madeleine France received news of their selection last year but the original event was postponed due to Covid-19. A familiar story!
The scholarships are awarded to Auckland secondary school students who have demonstrated academic achievement, community leadership and have overcome adverse circumstances.
Good luck with your studies Tess,Tristan and Madeleine!
