Dr Lesley Rameka and Mr Chris Lewis were among the recipients acknowledged at this afternoon's investiture ceremony at Government House Wellington – Dr Rameka for her pioneering academic work on Māori early learning in New Zealand, and Mr Lewis for his remarkable tennis career, including reaching the Wimbledon final in 1983 as an unseeded player. Other recipients were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions across literature, theatre and television, health, and Pacific communities.
Investiture ceremonies began this morning at Government House Wellington, with Dame Julie Chapman receiving her DNZM insignia for services to children and the community. Dame Julie founded the KidsCan Charitable Trust, which for 20 years has worked to support the education and wellbeing of New Zealand children in poverty, as well as Pet Refuge New Zealand, which provides temporary shelter for family pets affected by domestic violence. Other recipients were acknowledged for their contributions across documentary filmmaking, Māori and Pacific communities, agriculture, and local government.
This afternoon, eleven Honours recipients received their insignia from Dame Cindy at Government House. Prominent food scientist Dr Harjinder Singh, CNZM was recognised for his ground-breaking research, which has been translated into commercial applications. Other recipients received insignia recognising their outstanding contributions to education, mental health, swimming, communities, sport, Māori art and music, Victim Support, youth and the Baptist movement.
Aktive is a charity fostering participation in sport and physical exercise for young people in Auckland. A highlight of today's Aktive reception at Government House Auckland was the opportunity to hear two rangatahi and their whanau speak about their experience of an Aktive initiative, Game Plan AKL, which selects 100 young people annually to receive $500 per annum to support their chosen physical activity. Many guests were teary eyed hearing how Aktive support had changed these two recipients' lives for the better in every way - mentally, socially, physically, and in the classroom. A panel of donors reinforced those messages when they spoke about how sport had been a game-changer in their own lives, and their determination to support young people to have those same experiences.
Last night Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a special Pacific-themed reception to launch Volunteer Service Abroad’s new five-year strategy. Guests included Members of the Diplomatic Corps, development agencies, and VSA staff and volunteers. Dame Cindy thanked VSA volunteers for sharing expertise that empowers communities and enables them to thrive. A joyful performance by Wellington College’s Pasifika group literally shook the room, and illustrated Dame Cindy’s observation that New Zealanders are “linked across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa through shared history, shared whakapapa, our resident Pacific Island communities, and our sense of shared destiny.”
This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy received the credentials for the following new heads of mission to New Zealand: HE Mr Luis Alfonso Sánchez-Vellisco Sánchez, Ambassador of Spain; HE Mr Mohamed Trabelsi, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia; HE Mr Klas Molin, Ambassador of Sweden; and HE Mr Chatoulong Bouasisavath, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force provided the cultural welcome for arriving dignitaries on this blustery Wellington morning. We wish these new heads of mission all the very best in carrying out their roles.
Acting as Administrator of the Government, the Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann accepted the presentation of the final Representation Commission report this morning at Government House. The report contains changes to electorate boundaries and names, which will come into effect in the 2026 General Election.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies arrived in Rarotonga on the afternoon of 31st July to take part in celebrations marking the Cook Islands' 60 years of self-government in free association with New Zealand. Their Excellencies were welcomed upon arrival by Sir Tom Marsters, the King’s Representative to the Cook Islands, and Lady Tuaine Marsters, and by Ui Ariki.
This began a six-day visit to the Cook Islands for the Governor-General, where she met Cook Islanders from across Rarotonga and Pa Enua performing in Te Maeva Nui, learned about conservation and community initiatives, and affirming the very special bond between our two countries.
That evening, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were hosted for dinner by Sir Tom Marsters, the King’s Representative to the Cook Islands, and Lady Tuaine Marsters, and exchanged gifts in acknowledgement of Their Excellencies’ visit for the Cook Islands’ 60th Constitution Day celebrations, as well as Sir Tom's 80th birthday – both falling on 4th August.
To begin their second day on the Cook Islands, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited Avana Harbour to meet Peia Patai, who holds the rare title of Pwo Master Navigator, and members of his young crew. Peia is the chairman and founder of Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation – a not-for-profit organisation in Rarotonga which aims to preserve and revitalise traditional Cook Islands voyaging knowledge.
Their Excellencies heard about the crew's voyaging plans across the Pacific, and about Paikea – a voyaging vaka that has been used to teach the next generation about traditional celestial navigation.
Following their time at Avana Harbour, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies had lunch with the Cook Islands National Council of Women – an organisation working to empower women, support families, and promote gender equality on the Cook Islands. The group includes representatives from across Rarotonga and Pa Enua, and also advocates for the preservation of Cook Islands language and culture, and for strong action on climate change.
To conclude their afternoon of day two on the Cook Islands, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies had the opportunity to meet kapa haka groups and representatives who have travelled to Rarotonga from Aotearoa to be a part of Te Maeva Nui for 2025.
Their Excellencies heard about performers’ experiences being a part of these significant celebrations for the Cook Islands, and enjoyed a performance by Te Hekenga ā Rangi out in the beautiful grounds of Ngatipa, the New Zealand High Commissioner’s Residence.
Te Maeva Nui is a week-long celebration of Cook Islands culture, bringing together performers, dancers and musicians from across Rarotonga, Pa Enua, Aotearoa, and around the world. That evening, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies joined Sir Tom and Lady Marsters at the Cook Islands National Auditorium to watch an evening of spectacular performances.
On Sunday morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies joined the Aitutaki community for their traditional service at Arutanga Church. Built in 1828 from coral limestone, Arutanga is the oldest church in the Cook Islands.
The 4th of August this year marked a very special day for the Cook Islands, as the country celebrated 60 years of self-government in free association with New Zealand.
At the official ceremony of celebration in Rarotonga, Dame Cindy delivered her address of deepest congratulations and best wishes, affirming the strength of the bond between our two countries: ‘As Governor-General, on behalf of all New Zealanders, I wish the Cook Islands a peaceful and prosperous future, for all Cook Islanders, for your families, for generations into the future – knowing that New Zealand remains at your side.’
To end the day of celebrations, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were hosted by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown for a beautiful State Dinner at Tamarind House, along with other overseas dignitaries who have travelled to Rarotonga to attend Te Maeva Nui 2025.
On their final morning on the Cook Islands, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the Takuva’ine Valley Ecological Area to meet with Dr Teina Rongo, co-founder and coordinator of Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau, and his team, including many Cook Islands rangatahi.
Through the use of indigenous knowledge and practices, and a deep connection to the land, sky, and sea, this environmental NGO has been working to protect and preserve the environment, natural resources, and culture of the Cook Islands. Their recent work has resulted in the removal of thousands of invasive species from the reefs of Rarotonga, and the replanting of native ‘ūtū trees throughout the beautiful Takuva’ine Valley.
For their final official engagement of their visit to the Cook Islands, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the presentation of new police radios from New Zealand Deputy Police Commissioner Tania Kura to Cook Islands Police Commissioner Teokotai Joseph. The radios will significantly aid police safety on the Cook Islands, and underscore the strength of cooperation and support between our two police forces.
For 30 years, Arts Access Aotearoa has been working to remove barriers to the arts for both creators and participants, through advocacy, supporting community groups, and partnering with government and non-governmental organisations. Their initiatives include Arts for All Network – a disability-led network helping organisations and festivals to become more inclusive; and Arts in Corrections, which delivers arts-based rehabilitation in prisons. To celebrate this significant anniversary, Dame Cindy hosted members of Arts Access Aotearoa and their supporters for a high tea at Government House Wellington.
As Dame Cindy noted in her speech: 'By breaking down the barriers in the way of access to the arts, Arts Access Aotearoa is enriching, and, quite simply, improving the lives of so many New Zealanders.'
Dame Cindy joined athletes, supporters and members of the New Zealand Olympic Committee last night for an event to mark one year until the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games begin. The evening featured a collaborative performance from Te Whare Haka o Waititi and the City of Sails Pipe Band, and unveiled The New Zealand Team’s King’s Baton. The baton, one of 74 for each nation and territory taking part in the Games, will later be designed to represent Aotearoa and will make its way across the country during the King’s Baton Relay.
Today the Ambassador of Thailand, HE Waravuth Pouapinya and the Abbot of Bodhipala Monastery, Phra Khru Buddhinyanavithet Andrew Nyanadipo presented Dame Cindy with 80 volumes of Buddhist teachings: The International Tipitaka Sajjhaya Phonetic Recitation, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej and HM Queen Sirikit 2016 Edition.
New Zealand is one of 36 countries that have received this edition of the Tipitaka, which Dame Cindy accepted on behalf of the people of New Zealand. This edition includes a phonetic transcription of the original Pali script, and will enable recitations to be pronounced correctly, no matter what linguistic background the speaker may have.
This afternoon at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy welcomed leaders from New Zealand's Muslim and Jewish communities, and representatives from the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, for a very special event marking the signing of the Harmony Accord. The Accord, based on the United Kingdom’s landmark Drumlanrig Accord, seeks to foster deeper understanding, reconciliation, and friendship between communities.
In her speech, Dame Cindy quoted the whakataukī: 'He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai. If kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive,' and thanked signatories for the kindness they sowed on this significant day for interfaith relations in New Zealand.
Today Dame Cindy welcomed new Heads of Mission to New Zealand. HE Mr Ishmael Mali Avui, High Commissioner of the Solomon Islands, HE Mr Patryk Blaszczak, Ambassador of Poland, and HE Mr Melih Karalar, Ambassador of Turkiye attended the morning ceremony. HE Mrs Jane Chigiyal, Ambassador of the Federated States of Micronesia, HE Mr Mohamed Luveiz, High Commissioner of Maldives, and HE Mr Atadurdy Bayramov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan attended the afternoon ceremony. It is the first time that the Federated States of Micronesia and Turkmenistan have presented credentials to New Zealand.
To mark Sea Sunday, Dr Davies joined the Wellington Mission to Seafarers, representatives from the Royal New Zealand Navy, and Ambassador Kira Azucena of the Republic of the Philippines at St Barnabas Church for a Sea Sunday Service. This day honours the approximately 1.5 million people around the world who work as seafarers – the world’s second most dangerous occupation. The Mission’s volunteers are renowned for hand-knitting beanies to give to seafarers visiting our port. During the service, these kind gifts were blessed by Reverend Cath Growcott before making their way to new owners.
Last night, Dame Cindy and Doctor Davies hosted a dinner to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Asia Forum and the 50th anniversary of the New Zealand-ASEAN relationship. The Asia Forum is a Wellington-based discussion group that brings together the diplomatic, business, official and academic communities. There are currently ten Southeast Asian countries in ASEAN, which promotes political and economic cooperation and regional stability. Guests at last night's dinner included members of the Diplomatic Corps, MPs, and former Governors-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright and Sir Anand Satyanand.
To begin their regional visit to Whakatāne, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies received a warm welcome from Ngāti Awa at a pōwhiri at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae. Dame Cindy heard more about the extraordinary history of Mātaatua, a wharenui which is renowned for its large scale and the artistry of the whakairo. It is known as 'the marae that came home', as it was removed by the Government shortly after it was built in the 1870s for exhibition in Australia and the UK. In 1925 it was sent to Dunedin to be exhibited at Otago Musem, and finally returned to Ngāti Awa to be restored and repoened in 2011, as part of their Treaty Settlement. It was originally built as a marae fit for Queen Victoria to stay in should she visit New Zealand. While Queen Victoria never saw it, King George and Queen Mary visited the marae when it was in London. Dame Cindy is the first sitting Governor-General to visit this magnificent marae in its home in Whakātane.
Te Kura o Te Pāroa was the next stop on Dame Cindy’s regional visit to Whakatāne. The kura has a long history in Whakatāne and is a special character school, where approximately half the role of over 300 students are in total immersion classes. Dame Cindy spoke to the assembled tamariki, who honoured her with beautiful performances of waiata.
At the Ngāti Awa Health and Social Services later that afternoon, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were introduced to the kaimahi who provide extensive wrap-around services for whānau, applying Māori-based solutions to improve wellbeing, while also providing employment pathways and housing. They saw inside one of the new rental houses, complete with fruit trees and vegetable beds, which have been constructed to help whānau who want to progress to home ownership.
Next, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies travelled to Tauranga to attend an investiture ceremony for 19 recipients of honours that acknowledge exceptional services to Hato Hone St John. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were met by the Chancellor of St John, John Whitehead, Eileen Barrett-Whitehead, and Brendan Wood, Deputy-Chancellor. Before the investiture ceremony, Dame Cindy, who is Prior of the Order in Aotearoa, inspected a parade of local Youth Cadets.
One of Their Excellencies final engagements was a Ngāti Awa tour of the Whakatāne Foreshore, led by Des Harawira. They learnt about the long history of settlement by the peoples of the Mātaatua canoe and their relationship with the off-shore islands, the river, and the sea.
During their visit to Whakatāne, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies also met with Mayor Victor Luka and Councillors Whakatāne District Council, Māori academics and leaders, and Ngāti Awa youth leaders.
Today, Dame Cindy had the honour of officially opening the Stand Tū Māia House in Manakau, Auckland, after being welcomed with a moving pōwhiri. Stand Tū Māia is a charitable trust providing specialist and intensive trauma capable wraparound services for some of the most vulnerable children in New Zealand aged 5 to 14, working with many agencies and organisations to provide this care. In her speech, Dame Cindy noted: "E huri tō aroaro ki te rā, tukuna tō ātārangi ki muri i a koe". You are indeed helping tamariki and their whanau turn their face to the sun – leaving their shadow to fall behind them.”
Last night, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed members of the Royal New Zealand Artillery for their traditional Gunners’ Day Dinner, in honour of the service of its members past and present. In New Zealand, the RNZAA was founded by First World War veterans, and is now the principal association for New Zealand Gunners – both in the Regular Force and the Territorial Force. The Association advocates and assists Gunners, particularly those who suffer war-related injuries. His Majesty King Charles III is Captain-General of the RNZAA.
Last night, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a very special Matariki dinner, welcoming 200 members of the public for a hāngī at Government House Wellington. Joining the Government House chefs to prepare the hakari was Rewi Spraggon, Rex Morgan and their team. The evening featured beautiful musical accompaniment from Tui-Eilish Tahere-Katene, Rob Thorne and Dr Jeremy Mayall.
In her speech, Dame Cindy remarked: “Matariki is becoming a portal to such ancestral systems and knowledge associated with Maramataka, and it is gratifying to see more and more people reclaiming and utilising this wisdom. My wish to Hiwa-i-te-Rangi is also that Matariki gatherings will build a greater sense of community and connections between New Zealanders, inspired by a kaupapa that promotes aroha – love and respect; whakamaumaharatanga – remembrance; kotahitanga – unity; and tohatoha – sharing”.
To commemorate World Refugee Day, on Saturday Dame Cindy and Dr Davies joined the festivities at Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa, the Refugee Resettlement Centre in Auckland. Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa welcomes former refugees to New Zealand, giving them the assistance they need to prepare for life in New Zealand. Zaki Ayubi gave a powerful speech on behalf of former refugees, saying “You are not broken, you are becoming. You are not a burden, you are a blessing. You did not leave your potential behind, you brought it with you”. Under the Refugee Quota Programme, New Zealand accepts 1500 refugees each year, and as of Saturday morning we reached 1503 with a few more coming over the next few weeks.
To commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Solicitor-General, Dame Cindy welcomed members and affiliates of Crown Law to Government House Wellington this evening. Crown Law was established in 1873, and provides legal advice and representation to the Government, and also has general oversight of public prosecutions. The first Solicitor-General was appointed in 1875, and, together with the Attorney-General, acts as is the Government’s chief principal legal adviser.
Today Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the Prime Minister and Hon David Seymour at a ceremony at Government House Auckland. Dame Cindy signed the warrant for the portfolio of Deputy Prime Minister and congratulated Hon Seymour on his appointment to the role.
During this morning’s investiture ceremony, eight recipients received their Royal New Zealand honours, including Professor Phillippa Poole, who received an ONZM for services to medical education. Professor Poole has been a mentor and teacher, and was the first woman to be appointed Head of the School of Medicine at the University of Auckland. Also among those recognised was Mr Barry de Geest, who received a KSO for services to disabled people. Mr de Geest is New Zealand’s oldest Thalidomide survivor, and provides support and advocacy to others living with a disability through several organisations, including the Renaissance Group, which he co-founded.
For the final investiture ceremony of the New Year 2025 Honours, eight recipients were welcomed to Government House Auckland. Mrs Jocelyn Armstrong was recognised for services to interfaith communities. She was General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, and led the organisation’s transformation to the Conference of Churches New Zealand, which included all mainstream churches in the country.
Also among those recognised was Mrs Billie-Jean Potaka Ayton, who received an MNZM for services to education and Māori, and Dr David Robie, who received an MNZM for services to journalism and Asia-Pacific media education.
Fashion designer Kate Sylvester received an ONZM at Government House Auckland this morning. Ms Sylvester co-founded her eponymous fashion label in 1993, which expanded to be sold in stores worldwide.
Also among those recognised was Anne Fitisemanu, who received an MNZM for services to business. Mrs Fitisemanu was Chief Executive of TupuToa, an organisation that supports the growth and development of Māori and Pacific business leaders.
At this afternoon’s ceremony Dame Ingrid Collins received a DNZM for services to Māori, business and governance. Dame Ingrid has contributed to Whangara B5 Incorporation for 50 years, an organisation regarded as an exemplar of best practice, sustainability and innovation for Māori land development.
Sir John Gallagher received a KNZM for service to business, education, philanthropy and the community. A major shareholder and Director of Gallagher Holdings Ltd, Sir John has contributed to and served his community in many organisations, including as Director of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton and as a Trustee for Gallagher Charitable Trust.
Professor Sir Peter Hunter was among the eight recipients recognised at Government House Auckland this morning. Sir Peter is a world-leading bioengineer, and led the Physiome Project - an international collaborative project measuring and modelling all aspects of physiology in the human body.
Also among those recognised was Christine Panapa, for services to Māori, and Dr John Peek, for services to fertility treatment and reproductive health.
For this afternoon’s ceremony, Alan Smythe received a CNZM for services to the community and philanthropy. Mr Smythe has produced fundraising events for New Zealand charities for over 40 years, raising $34 million dollars. In 1996, he produced Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, and remains an executive producer for the event.
Also recognised was Dr Maysoon Salama, who co-founded New Zealand’s first Muslim early learning service, and chaired the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand.
Producer Robin Scholes was among the eight recipients at this morning’s investiture ceremony. Mrs Scholes has produced over 25 film and television series in her career, including ‘When We Go To War’, ‘Mr Pip’ and ‘Crooked Earth’. Also among those recognised was chef, food writer and businesswoman Nadia Lim. Ms Lim rose to fame after winning MasterChef New Zealand in 2011, and has since appeared on several television shows, published 12 cookbooks, and co-founded My Food Bag.
At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, former All Blacks coach John Hart received a CNZM for services to sports governance. Mr Hart chaired the New Zealand 2011 Group, which managed the 2011 Rugby World Cup, hosted in New Zealand for the second time. He has also been heavily involved in the New Zealand Golf Open Tournament, and is a director of the Blues Rugby Club Board.
Also among those recognised was Marama Royal, who is Chair of Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei Trust, and led the launch of the Toi Ora Health Insurance Scheme.
This morning, Dame Cindy formally opened the 99th Council Meeting of the University of the South Pacific, at Fale Pasifika, University of Auckland. Since its founding in 1968, USP has provided tertiary education across the Pacific for 12 member countries - Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, Niue, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Kingdom of Tonga, and Republic of Vanuatu. New Zealand and Australia have representatives on the USP Council, and help support them to provide tertiary education across the Pacific.
Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa was in attendance for today’s Council meeting. Her mother, Laʻulu Fetauimalemau Mataʻafa, was USP’s first Pro-Chancellor from 1971 to 1976.
In her speech, Dame Cindy noted “A Māori whakatauki “Whiria te taura here tāngata” says that a rope is so much stronger if multiple strands are woven together. By weaving together the energies, knowledge, talents and aspirations of peoples across the Pacific – USP has become the region’s leading tertiary provider.”
Five of the seven honours recipients at this morning's investiture ceremony were recognised for acts of bravery. Diane Hunt received the insignia of the New Zealand Bravery Decoration awarded to her son, the late Constable Matt Hunt. Peter and Sue Priest were acknowledged for for their services to Māori and conservation.
