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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
    • Memorialising Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
    • 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
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  3. The Governor-General's blog

The Governor-General's blog

The official blog of the Governor-General of New Zealand

  • Royal Humane Society of New Zealand Awards

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 5 Jun 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Dame Patsy presented 10 Royal Humane Society of New Zealand silver medals for acts of bravery.

    Medal recipients included Zane Paki, who saved a man from a knife attack and Rory Clarke, who was one of a trip of doctors involved in rescuing the driver of a vehicle that drove off the road into an estuary. 

    Photos and citations

    Image of Dame Patsy with Zane Paki

    Image of Dame Patsy and Rory Clarke

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  • Queen's Birthday Honours 2018

    Post date:
    Friday, 1 Jun 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    The Queen's Birthday 2018 Honours list has been released. Congratulations to all the New Zealanders who have been acknowledged for their contribution. Dame Patsy and Sir David are looking forward to welcoming all recipients to Government House to receive their insignia later this year.

    Queen's Birthday 2018 Honours list 

    Image of recipients from the QB 2018 Honours list

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  • Bookmarks and Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival

    Post date:
    Friday, 1 Jun 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    On Tuesday 29 May, Dame Patsy appeared on RNZ's Bookmarks with Jesse Mulligan. During the interview, Dame Patsy talked about her favourite books, movies and music and revealed the truth about her relationship with Helen Reddy, the Australian singer. (Clue: possibly distant cousins) 

    Bookmarks with Jesse Mulligan

    Image of Dame Patsy at RNZ

    On Thursday, Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a reception for secondary school students taking part in the Shakespeare Globe Centre of New Zealand University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival. Events got off to a dramatic start with a fire alarm seeing all 300 guests bundled out into the cold. 

     SGCNZ UOSWSF photos

    Alt text inferred from page title: SGCNZ University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival reception.

     

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  • The Police National Dive Squad 50th anniversary dinner

    Post date:
    Friday, 1 Jun 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    It was a night of stories, laughter and memories tonight at Government House as past and present members of the Police National Dive Squad got together to celebrate 50 years of exceptional service to the people of New Zealand.

    The members of the squad volunteer to go wherever they are needed, 24/7, around New Zealand, often putting their own lives in danger. We are grateful for the work they do to bring some sense of closure to families by returning the remains of the missing to their loved ones, and we are fortunate to have their skills in uncovering vital pieces of evidence that help solve mysteries and criminal cases.

    Speech transcript

    Image gallery

    an image of Their Excellencies, Police Commissioner Mike Bush and Rear Admiral John Martin with past and present members
    Alt text inferred from page title: The Police National Dive Squad 50th anniversary dinner.
    an image of Police Commissioner Mike Bush presenting Dame Patsy with the medal

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  • Christchurch Girls High School

    Post date:
    Sunday, 27 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Last Friday, Dame Patsy and Sir David helped mark a major milestone for Christchurch Girls High School with the official opening of the first major rebuild project since the school was extensively damaged by the Canterbury earthquakes.

    They were given a tour of the magnificent new building, which houses the arts faculty, and saw memorabilia from a school which is notable for being the second oldest girls' secondary school in New Zealand.

    Speech Transcript

    Image Gallery

    Christchurch Girls High School students listening to Dame Patsy at the official opening
    Alt text inferred from page title: Christchurch Girls High School.
    an image of Dame Patsy and Sir David hearing a student's composition in the music lab
    Alt text inferred from page title: Christchurch Girls High School.

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  • Ahuwhenua Awards Dinner 2018

    Post date:
    Sunday, 27 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    On Friday night Dame Patsy and Sir David joined in the annual celebration of excellence in Maori farming and agribusiness - the Ahuwhenua Awards dinner, this year held in Christchurch. The winning farm operation must not only be an example of efficient farming practices, but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and benefit to the associated iwi.

    This year's winner of the Ahuwhenua Trophy was the Onuku Maori Lands Trust and the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer was Harepaora Ngaheu.

    The Ahuwhenua Awards were set up by Sir Apirana Ngata and the then Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, in 1933.

    Speech Transcript

    Image Gallery

    an image of Dame Patsy presenting the Ahuwhenua Trophy to Moyra Bramley, Chair of the Onuku Maori Lands Trust
    an image of Dame Patsy with Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer Award winner, Harepaora Ngaheu

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  • Lunch with Wing 316 recruits at the Police College

    Post date:
    Monday, 21 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    This morning Dame Patsy and Sir David visited the Police College to touch base with Wing 316 recruits, who are currently in their 7th week of training to become Police officers. Dame Patsy is Patron of Wing 316.

    The recruits range in age from 19 to 50. Dame Patsy noted that although the demographic data for the recruits was representative of contemporary New Zealand in terms of ethnicity, that only 30 percent of them were female, and she looked forward to seeing the numbers of women increasing in future intakes.

    Dame Patsy and Sir David were welcomed with a powhiri before having lunch with the recruits.

    Image Gallery

    Speech Transcript

     

    Alt text inferred from page title: Lunch with Wing 316 recruits at the Police College.
    an image of Dame Patsy with Wing 316 instructors

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  • Centre for Brain Research Dinner

    Post date:
    Friday, 18 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Many thanks to the Centre for Brain Research for the opportunity for Dame Patsy to speak at the dinner held at St Mathew-in-the-City in Auckland on 11 May, and for providing us with photos taken on the night. The Centre involves academics, clinicians, patients and families in furthering our knowledge of brain diseases and their treatment.

    Speech transcript

    Image Gallery

    Brain Research Anniversary Dinner.
    an image of Professor Russell Snell, Sir Richard Faull, Dr Pritika Narayan, Associate Professor Klaus Lehnert

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  • Wellington Investiture video - Thursday 17 May, AM

    Post date:
    Thursday, 17 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Receiving their insignia this morning were:

    Sir Herbert (John) Clarke, of Lower Hutt, KNZM, for services to Māori and heritage preservation

    Mr Richard Boast, of Wellington, ONZM, for services to the law and Māori

    Ms Rhana Devenport, of Auckland, ONZM, for services to arts governance

    Mr Robin Hood, of Auckland, ONZM, for services to springboard and platform diving

    Mr Robert (Rob) Jager, of New Plymouth, ONZM, for services to business and health and safety

    Mr Bryce Barnett, of New Plymouth, MNZM, for services to governance and philanthropy

    Ms Lisa Choegyal, of Kathmandu, Nepal, MNZM, for services to New Zealand-Nepal relations

    Ms Elizabeth (Liz) Dawson, of Wellington, MNZM, for services to sports governance

    Professor Kabini Sanga, of Wellington, MNZM, for services to education and the Pacific community

    Ms Fiona Southorn, of One Tree Point, for services to sport, MNZM, particularly cycling

    Mr Graeme Wallis, of Christchurch, MNZM, for services to music

    Mr Ian (Rod) Anderson, of Luggate, QSM, for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community

    Mr John Bull, of Coromandel, QSM, for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Mr Donald (Don) Cameron, of Christchurch, QSM, for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community

    Mr Roderick (Rod) Farrow, of Whakatane, QSM, for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the forestry industry

    Mr Brian (Beau) Le Prou, of Opunake, QSM, for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand

     Mr Hardie (Gary) Murdoch, of Dargaville, QSM, for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community

    Mr Philip (Phil) Smith, of Tongariro National Park, QSM, for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community

    Mr Arthur (Jim) Snedden, of Waiuku, QSM, for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Ms Jillian (Jill) Walker, of Rotorua, QSM, for services to art and children

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  • Wellington Investiture - Thursday 17 May, AM

    Post date:
    Thursday, 17 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Educator, treaty settlement adviser and Maori heritage protector Sir John Clarke was knighted at Government House this morning by Dame Patsy. The sixth and final investiture ceremony for this round included representatives from the worlds of the arts, sport and music as wel as a significant number from Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

    Investiture images

    Alt text inferred from page title: Wellington Investiture - Thursday 17 May, AM.

    Alt text inferred from image gallery title: Wellington Investiture - Thursday 17 May, AM.

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  • Wellington Investiture video - Wednesday 16 May, AM

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 16 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Receiving their insignia this morning were:

    The Honourable Sir Douglas White, of Wellington, KNZM, for services to the judiciary

    Mr Graeme Wheeler, of Lower Hutt, CNZM, for services to the State

    Mr David Smol, of Wellington ,QSO, for services to the State

    Mr John Harrison, of Lyttelton, ONZM, for services to music and theatre

    Mr William (Bill) Speedy, of Auckland, ONZM, for services to philanthropy and watersports

    Mrs Heather Brunsdon, of Napier, MNZM, for services to dance

    Mr Nicholas (Nick) Chapman, of Wairoa, MNZM, for services to education and conservation

    Professor Sally Davenport, of Wellington, MNZM, for services to science

    Mr Neville Peat, of Dunedin, MNZM, for services to conservation

    Mr Bruce (Pic) Picot, of Nelson, MNZM, for services to business

    Father Barry Scannell, of Wellington, MNZM, for services to the community and heritage preservation

    Mr Lloyd Scott, of Wellington, MNZM, for services to broadcasting, theatre and television

    Mr Philip Sherry, of Papamoa, MNZM, for services to local government and broadcasting

    Mrs Pania Tyson-Nathan, of Porirua, MNZM, for services to Māori and business

    Mr Ian Argyle, of Palmerston North, QSM, for services to outdoor recreation and conservation

    Mrs Anne Barnett, of Christchurch, QSM, for services to health education

    Mrs Hinekakaho (Hine) Manuel-Kohn, of Wairoa, QSM, for services to the community and Māori

    Mrs Margaret Morrish, of Lincoln, QSM, for services to heritage preservation

    Mr James (Jim) Nicholas, of Blenheim, QSM, for services to sport and the community

    Mr Sepal (Channa) Ranasinghe, of Wellington, QSM, for services to the Sri Lankan community

    Squadron Leader Rhys Evans, DSD, for services to the New Zealand Defence Force

     

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  • Wellington Investiture video - Wednesday 16 May, PM

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 16 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Receiving their insignia during this special all-women ceremony to commemorate Suffrage 125 were:

    The Honourable Dame Annette King, DNZM, of Wellington, for services as a Member of Parliament

    Mrs Raewyn Fox, of Porirua, QSO, for services to family budgeting services and the community

    Ms Julia Morison, of Christchurch, ONZM, for services to visual arts

    Ms Jennifer (Jenny) Ellis, of New Plymouth, MNZM, for services to education

    Ms Suzanne Ellison, of Waikouaiti, for services to Māori, MNZM, the arts and governance

    Ms Virginia Goldblatt, of Palmerston North ,MNZM, for services to arbitration and mediation

    Ms Maxine Moana-Tuwhangai, of Ngaruawahia, MNZM, for services to governance and Māori

    Ms Lisa Reihana, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to art

    Mrs Kathleen (Kath) Fletcher, of Waipukurau, QSM, for services to music, science education, and the community

    Mrs Melissa Jebson, of Darfield, QSM, for services to agriculture and the community

    Ms Lorraine Logan, of Christchurch, QSM, for services to music

    Mrs Thelma Luxton, of Waitara, QSM, for services to the community and cricket

    Ms Dorothy (Dot) McKinnon, of Whanganui, QSM, for services to the community

    Ms Teresea Olsen, of Lower Hutt, QSM, for services to Māori and health

    Mrs Mii Hinarere I Te Poerava (Mii Hinarere) Tupangaia, of Lower Hutt, QSM, for services to the Cook Islands community

    Mrs Sereana Phillipps, of Masterton, QSM (Honorary) for services to the Fijian community

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  • 2018 Wellington investiture 16 May AM

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 16 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Congratulations to all 22 honour recipients at this morning's ceremony at Government House. They included The Hon Sir Douglas White, KNZM for services to the judiciary; former Reserve Bank Governor Graham Wheeler, CNZM; and broadcasters Philip Sherry, MNZM and Lloyd Scott, MNZM.

    Image Gallery

    an image of The Hon Sir Douglas White, KNZM for services to the judiciary
    an image of Mr Graham Wheeler, of Lower Hutt, CNZM for services to the State
    an image of Their Excellencies with the 16 May 2018 AM recipients

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  • Wellington Investitures - Wednesday 14 May, PM

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 16 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Suffrage 125 was commemorated at Government House this afternoon with a special investiture ceremony, celebrating the achievements of New Zealand women.

    Politician Dame Annette King received the insignia of her order alongside artists Julia Morison and Lisa Reihana and thirteen other notable women. Congratulations to all this afternoon's recipients.

    Wellington Investiture - Wednesday 16 May, PM

     

    Image of Dame Patsy and Dame Annette King

    Image of Dame Patsy and Lisa Reihana
     

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  • Wellington Investitures video - Tuesday 15 May, AM

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 15 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Receiving their insignia in this ceremony were:

    The Honourable Peter Dunne, of Wellington, CNZM, for services as a Member of Parliament

    Mr Robert Fowler, of Auckland, QSO, for services to the community

     Mr Donald Best, of Wellington, ONZM, for services to music

    Detective Inspector Thomas (Tom) Fitzgerald, of Canberra, ONZM, for services to the New Zealand Police and the community

     Mr Allan Cook, of Marton, MNZM, for services to river and drainage engineering

    Ms Nita Knight, of Nelson, MNZM, for services to business and the community

    Dr Suitafa Deborah Ryan Nicholson (Debbie Ryan), MNZM, of Wellington, for services to the Pacific community and health

    Mr Hare Paniora, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to Māori and education

    Mr Nigel Skelt, of Invercargill, MNZM, for services to badminton

     Senior Constable Russell Smith, of Blenheim, MNZM, for services to the New Zealand Police and youth

    Mr Mark Stewart, of Darfield, MNZM, for services to the community and sport

    Mrs Shona Andrell, of Christchurch, QSM, for services to the stroke community

    Mr Alfred (Warwick) Grimmer, of Dunedin, QSM, for services as a charity auctioneer and to the  community

    Mr Michael (Mike) Keefe, of Rotorua, QSM, for services to the community

    Mrs Diane Nutsford, of Timaru, QSM, for services to people with Alzheimers and dementia

    Mrs Cynthia Ward, of Hamilton, QSM, for services to nursing and children's health

    Mr Richard (Dick) Williams, of Lower Hutt, QSM, for services to the State

    Mr Randal Heke, of Waikanae, NZAM,for services to New Zealand interests in Antarctica and historic preservation

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  • 2018 Wellington Investiture, 15 May

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 15 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    This morning's investiture recipients included Mr Randal Heke, whose role in the establishment of Scott Base in Antarctica in the 1950s was recognised with the award of the New Zealand Antarctic Medal. The Hon Peter Dunne received a CNZM for his services as a Member of Parliament, Ms Nita Knight, who established the Nelson Saturday market, recieved an MZNM and Mr Hare Paniora also received an MNZM for services to Maori and education.

    Image Gallery

    Alt text inferred from page title: 2018 Wellington Investiture, 15 May.
    an image of Their Excellencies with the recipients

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  • Fred Hollows Foundation reception

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 15 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a reception for the Fred Hollows Foundation at Government House in Wellington. Guests heard about the highlights of the 25 years of the Foundation's work and heard from a panel of three experts about new initiatives around preventing blindness in the Pacific. An announcement of significant support from MFAT for a National Eye Clinic in Vanuatu was also made.

    Event images

    Image of Dame Patsy and Sir David with Mr Craig Fisher, Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand Chair; Hon Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, Minister of Health Tonga; Mr Andrew Bell, Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand CEO and Hon Aupito Wil

    Alt text inferred from page title: Fred Hollows Foundation reception.

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  • Wellington Investiture video - Monday 14 May, AM

    Post date:
    Monday, 14 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    This morning's investiture ceremony from Government House in Wellington.

    Receiving their insignia were:

    Ms Cassia Coles (Joy Cowley), of Featherston, ONZ, for services to New Zealand
    Dr Garth Carnaby, of Lincoln, CNZM, for services to science and governance
    Dr William Rolleston, of Saint Andrews, CNZM, for services to the farming industry
    The late Mr Michael Brown, of Lower Hutt, QSO, for services to governance
    Dr Andrew Hill, of Auckland, ONZM, for services to endoluminal vascular repair
    Dr Andrew Holden, of Auckland, ONZM, for services to endoluminal vascular repair
    Ms Penelope (Penny) Mudford, of Wellington, ONZM, for services to arbitration and the primary industries sector
    Ms Elise Bradley, of Toronto, MNZM, for services to music
    Mr Dugald (Stuart) Collie, of Invercargill, MNZM, for services to agriculture and education
    Ms Melanie (Merenia) Donne, of Whanganui, MNZM, for services to training disability assistance dogs
    Emeritus Professor John Hearnshaw, of Christchurch, MNZM, for services to astronomy
    Mr Cameron (Cam) Moore, of Christchurch, MNZM, for services to the manufacturing industry and the community
    Mr Paul Pritchett, of Lyttelton, NZM, for services to yachting and the community
    Dr David Tipene-Leach, of Napier, MNZM, for services to Māori and health
    Mrs Foumana Alene-Tumataiki, of Auckland, QSM,for services to the Niue community and education
    Mrs Carrol Browne, of Fox Glacier, QSM, for services to the community
    The late Mr Leslie Graham, of Masterton, QSM, for services to brass bands
    Mr Graham Keep, of Oamaru, QSM, for services to Scouting and the community
    Mr Daniel (Dan) Lyders, of Outram, QSM, for services to conservation and forestry
    Mrs Prabha Ravi, of Lower Hutt, QSM, for services to ethnic communities and dance

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  • Wellington Investiture video - Monday 14 May, PM

    Post date:
    Monday, 14 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Receiving their insignia at this ceremony were:

    Ms Frances Valintine, of Auckland, CNZM, for services to education and the technology sector
    The Honourable Kerry (Chester) Borrows, of Hawera, QSO, for services as a Member of Parliament
    Archdeacon William (Wiremu) Kaua, of Wellington, ONZM, for services to Māori, education and the State
    Dr James (Malcolm) Macpherson, of Alexandra, ONZM, for services to local government and the community
    Professor Barbara Brookes, of Dunedin, MNZM, for services to historical research and women
    Dr John Guthrie, of Dunedin, MNZM, for services to education and sport
    Mr Denis Hartley, of Ohope Beach, MNZM, for services to aviation and rescue services
    Dr Palatasa Havea, of Palmerston North, MNZM, for services to the Pacific community and the dairy industry
    Mr Noel Hyde, of Rotorua, MNZM, for services to wildlife conservation and research taxidermy
    Mr Paul McArdle, of Havelock North, MNZM, for services to cycling and the community
    Ms Sarah Reo, of Havelock North, MNZM, for services to Māori and education
    Ms Susan (Sue) Stanaway, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to philanthropy and the community
    Dr Rudolf (Ruud) Kleinpaste, of Christchurch, MNZM (Honorary),for services to entomology, conservation and entertainment
    Ms Linda Chalmers, of Auckland, QSM, for services to art
    Mr Ian Dick, of Napier, QSM, for services to the community and local government
    Mrs Elizabeth (Liza) Eastman, QSM, of Parapara, for services to the arts and the community
    Mr Neil Falconer, of Rangiora, QSM, for services to the community and broadcasting
    Mr Parshotam Govind, of Auckland, QSM, for services to the Indian community
    Mrs Julie Syme, of Kaikoura, QSM, for services to the community
    Mrs Lyndsay Wright, of Greytown, QSM, for services to swimming

     

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  • Wellington Investiture - Monday 14 May, AM

    Post date:
    Monday, 14 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Congratulations to the latest member of the Order of New Zealand Joy Cowley and the other 19 New Zealanders who received their insignia at investitures at Government House this morning.

    Photos from the ceremony

    Image of Joy Cowley and Dame Patsy Reddy

    Alt text inferred from page title: Wellington Investiture - Monday 14 May, AM.

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  • 2018 Wellington Investiture - Monday 14 May PM

    Post date:
    Monday, 14 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Congratulations to the 20 recipients of Honours at Government House this afternoon, including leading educator in technology education, Frances Valintine, CNZM; former Member of Parliament, The Hon Chester Burrows, QSO; and entomologist Dr Ruud Kleinpaste.

    Image Gallery

    an image of Their Excellencies with Honours recipients

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  • Ballet Foundation "A Celebration of Ballet"

    Post date:
    Saturday, 12 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    It was ballet's turn in the spotlight this evening at Government House, with Dame Patsy and Sir David hosting the Ballet Foundation's "A Celebration of Ballet" in the Ballroom.

    The Ballet Foundation is a charity that works to support, promote and advance ballet in New Zealand. They work closely with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, offering scholarships to talented dancers, helping dancers move from performance into other dance -related careers and providing opportunities for students from low-decile schools to experience ballet performances.

    The evening featured performances from Teagan Tank from the New Zealand School of Dance and Katherine Minor and Paul Mathews from the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

    Images from "A Celebration of Ballet"

     

    Image of Teagan Tank performing "Stop Time Rag" from Elite Syncopations

    Image of Katherine Minor and Paul Mathews performing 'Meet the Swan'

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  • Arts Foundation Icon Awards

    Post date:
    Friday, 11 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    The Arts Foundation Icon Awards recognise distinguished artists for their contributions to New Zealand's arts and culture. At any one time, there are only 20 Arts Icons, and the medallion each recipient wears is imbued with the mana and mauri of the previous recipients.

    Dame Patsy honoured five new Arts Icons at a Government House dinner: writers Bill Manhire and Albert Wendt, composer Gillian Whitehead, artist Billy Apple, and sculptor Fred Graham.

    Speech transcript

    Image Gallery

    an image of Dame Patsy with Arts Foundation Icons and the Arts Foundation's Simon Bowden
    an image of Dame Patsy and the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Jacinda Adern

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  • Death of Lady Beattie

    Post date:
    Friday, 11 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Dame Patsy and Sir David wish to pass on their condolences to the family of Lady Beattie who died in Wellington on Wednesday.

    The wife of Sir David Beattie,Governor-General from 1980 - 1985, Lady Beattie not only undertook all the duties of a vice-regal spouse but made some welcome improvements at Government House, particularly in the kitchens.


    She was also responsible for one of this country's most famous pictures, having gifted Prince William the Buzzy Bee toy he so memorably played with on the lawn at Government House in Auckland during the 1984 Royal Visit.


    Dame Patsy says "Lady Beattie was a wonderful ambassador for New Zealand, working alongside Sir David during their time at Government House. She was also a strong supporter of New Zealand arts and culture all her life. It was always a pleasure to see her at Government House events and I valued the generous support she provided at my Swearing-In. She will be greatly missed"

    Image of Sir David and Lady Beattie

     

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  • Live stream - Friday 4 May 2018, AM

    Post date:
    Friday, 4 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    The full video of this mornin's investiture ceremony

    <

    This morning's recipients were:

    The Honourable Dr Michael Bassett, CNZM, of Auckland, for services as a historian
    Mr Colin Bidois, of Tauranga, ONZM, for services to Māori
    Ms Helene Wong, of Auckland, ONZM, for services to the arts and the Chinese community
    Dr Judy Blakey, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to seniors
    Mr John Mace, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to swimming
    Dr Haare Williams, of Papakura, MNZM, for services to Māori, the arts and education
    Ms Raewyn Bhana, of Drury, QSM, for services to the community
    Mrs Diane Brown, of Ngaruawahia, QSM, for services to the community and sport
    Mrs Lynnette Flowers, of Hamilton, QSM, for services to the community
    Mr Alan Turner, of Tauranga, QSM, for services to the game of bridge

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  • Auckland Investitures - Friday 4 May, 2018

    Post date:
    Friday, 4 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Congratulations to all the recipients at this morning's investiture ceremony at Government House in Auckland.

    Investiture images

    Image of Dr Michael Bassett and Dame Patsy Reddy

    Image of Dr Haare Williams and Dame Patsy Reddy

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  • Livestream - Auckland Investiture Thursday 3 May, 2018 AM

    Post date:
    Thursday, 3 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature
    The full ceremony filmed at Government House this morning.

    Receiving their insignia at Government House in Auckland this morning were:

    The Honourable Dame Georgina te Heuheu, DNZM, for services to the State and Māori
    Ms Jane Drumm, of Auckland, QSO, for services to victims of domestic violence
    Mr Neil Bateup, of Huntly, ONZM, for services to agriculture and the community
    Mr Frederick Graham, of Waiuku, ONZM, for services to Māori art
    Dr John Kay, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to the New Zealand Defence Force
    Mr Maurice McKendry, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to harness racing
    Mr Ray Annamalai, of Auckland, QSM, for services to the community and Tamil culture
    Dr Morag Hardy, of Auckland, QSM, for services to paediatrics and the community
    Mrs Patricia Stafford-Bush, QSM, of Auckland, for services to the community

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  • Livestream - Auckland Investiture Thursday 3 May, 2018 PM

    Post date:
    Thursday, 3 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    The full video of this afternoon;'s investiture ceremony

    Receiving their insignia at Government House in Auckland were:

    Mr William Birnie, of Auckland, CNZM, for services to governance, the arts and sport
    Mr Mark Hadlow, of Martinborough, ONZM, for services to the arts
    Ms Helen Robinson, of Auckland, ONZM, for services to business, particularly the technology sector
    Mr Peter Turnbull, of Whangarei, ONZM, for services to aviation
    Ms Sharon Wilson-Davis, of Auckland, ONZM, for services to the community
    Emeritus Professor Roger Moltzen, of Hamilton, MNZM, for services to education
    Dr Camille Nakhid, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to ethnic communities and education
    Mr Charles Kiata, of Waitakere, MNZM (Hon), for services to the Pacific community
    Mr Bruce Gordon, of Ngatea, QSM, for services to local government and the community
    Mrs Lesley Gordon, of Ngatea, QSM, for services to the community

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  • Auckland Investiture Ceremony Thursday 3 May AM

    Post date:
    Thursday, 3 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    The recipients at this morning's investiture ceremony at Government House Auckland included Dame Georgina te Heuheu, DNZM; Ms Jane Drumm, QSO, advocate for victims of domestic violence; and Maori sculptor Mr Fred Graham, ONZM.

    Image Gallery

    an image of Dame Georgina te Heuheu, DNZM for services to the State and Maori

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  • Auckland Investiture Ceremony, Thursday 3 May, PM

    Post date:
    Thursday, 3 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Congratulations to all our honours recipients this afternoon. They included Mr William Birnie, CNZM for services to governance, the arts and sport; actor Mark Hadlow, ONZM;  and Emeritus Professor Roger Moltzen, MNZM for services to education.

    Image Gallery 

    Alt text inferred from page title: Auckland Investiture Ceremony, Thursday 3 May, PM.

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  • 2018 Visit to Turkey for Anzac Day commemorations

    Post date:
    Thursday, 3 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    Dame Patsy and Sir David travelled to Turkey to represent New Zealand at commemorative events associated with the Gallipoli campaign. Our thanks to New Zealand Defence for providing us with  images of some of the events that they attended.

    In addition to speaking at the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove and at Chunuk Bair, Dame Patsy and Sir David were given a battlefield tour, visited cemeteries and memorials, and represented New Zealand at the Turkish International Service, the French National Service, the Commonwealth and Irish Service, the Turkish National Service, and the Australian National Service.

    On leaving Gallipoli, the next stop was Ankara, where Dame Patsy met HE Mr Recep Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey and the Mr Ismail Kahraman, Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

    Anzac Cove Speech Transcript

    Chunuk Bair Speech Transcript

    Image Gallery Day One and Two

    Image Gallery Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair

    Image Gallery Ankara Visit

     

     

    an image of Dame Patsy at Shrapnel Valley Cemetery
    an image of Dame Patsy and poppies at Gallipoli
    Alt text inferred from image gallery title: 2018 Anzac Day Dawn Ceremony, Anzac Cove and National Service at Chunuk Bair.
    an image of Their Excellencies at Anzac Cove

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  • Livestream - Auckland Investiture Wednesday 2 May, 2018 AM

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 2 May 2018
    Category:
    Feature

    The full video of this morning's ceremony at Government House in Auckland

    Receiving their insignia at Government House were:

    Dame Rangimarie (Naida) Glavish, of Auckland, DNZM, for services to Māori and the community

    Dr Manying Ip, of Auckland, CNZM, for services to the Chinese community and education

    Ms Evelyn Weir, of Hamilton, QSO, for services to seniors and the community

    Mrs Sonia Chambers, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to people with disabilities

    Mr Vernon Dark, of Kaiwaka, MNZM, for services to business and education

    Mr John Gow, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to art

    Associate Professor Michael Hilton, of Dunedin, MNZM, for services to conservation

     Mr Gary Langsford, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to art

    Mrs Margaret Miles, of Auckland, QSM, for services to local government and the community

    Mr Ross Thorby, of Auckland, QSM, for services to the community

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