After doing things digitally in previous times, today Government House welcomed diplomats in person for Dame Cindy’s first Credentials ceremonies. Presenting their letters of credence this morning was HE Dr Zsolt Gábor Hetesy, Ambassador of Hungary and HE Mr Jimmy Nipo, High Commissioner of the Republic of Vanuatu. Also attending was HE Mr Eliam Tangirongo, High Commissioner for the Solomon Islands. HE Tangirongo presented his credentials earlier to the Prime Minister, as is custom for countries where Queen Elizabeth II is Head of State.
For the afternoon ceremonies, Dame Cindy welcomed HE Mr Rashed Alqemzi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates; HE Mr Marcos Arbizu De Souza Campos, Ambassador of Brazil and HE Hon Thomas Udall, Ambassador of the United States of America.
Dame Cindy visited Wellington clothing company, nisa, created in 2017 by former lawyer Elisha Watson. Nisa has been supporting women from refugee and migrant backgrounds, helping them settle into their new communities and giving them a step-up on the employment ladder. Elisha was inspired to create Nisa while volunteering with the Red Cross refugee resettlement programme. The idea proved to be a real success: the company has now given 19 migrants and former refugees their first job in New Zealand.
Initially, Nisa manufactured underwear as it was easier to make. The growth of the business has meant tops, bottoms and swimwear have been added to their line.
This morning Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the Wellington City Mission. City Missioner Murray Edridge took them on a tour of the current facilities, including the cafe, chapel, and social supermarket. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies met some of the Mission's manuhiri and staff. They also had a digital tour of the Mission's new complex, Whakamuru, which will be constructed over a two year period. It will offer accommodation, laundry facilities, a cafe, a chapel, a medical centre and a conference centre.
Last night Dame Cindy presented "Women of Worth" Awards to six women who had been nominated by Wellington branch members of the Council of Jewish Women. The recipients are all active in their community and also contribute to the wider community - as teachers, carers, artists, activists, volunteers, leaders, and devoted family members.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies meeting with veterans after the Act of Remembrance.
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 the armistice between Germany and the Allies came into effect, signalling the end of World War One. To commemorate Armistice Day, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended a socially distanced Act of Remembrance at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. The Act of Remembrance acknowledges the New Zealanders who served both here and overseas during the four-year war, which was about 9% of the population at the time.
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 the armistice between Germany and the Allies came into effect, signalling the end of World War One. To commemorate Armistice Day, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended a socially distanced Act of Remembrance at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. The Act of Remembrance acknowledges the New Zealanders who served both here and overseas during the four-year war, which was about 9% of the population at the time.
In her speech, Dame Cindy noted the similarities between the first Armistice Day and today.
“This was at the height of the 1918 influenza pandemic, and some gatherings were cancelled for fear of spreading the virus. It is a sobering link to the present day, and I acknowledge there may be veterans and others who would have liked to have been here with us this morning, or at local commemorations, but have been prevented due to COVID-19”.
The Act of Remembrance was also attended by Minister for Veterans Hon Meka Whaitiri, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Dr Shane Reti, Chief of Defence AM Kevin Short, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps HE Mr Leasi Papali'i Tommy Scanlan and National President of the RSA BJ Clark.
For more history on New Zealand and Armistice Day, go to NZ History.
On Friday 29th October 2021, Dame Cindy Kiro hosted a reception for the Diplomatic Corps at Government House Wellington. In her speech to the Corps, Dame Cindy said she was looking forward to developing relationships across the diplomatic community during her time in Office, and acknowledged what a difficult time it must have been for the community, seperated from families and friends by resticted borders.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Mr Leasi Papali'i Tommy Scanlan, High Commissioner of Somoa, also spoke, thanking Dame Cindy and Dr Davies for their hospitality, and wishing them all the very best for their time in Government House. Representatives from over 40 countries were in attendence.
Dame Cath Tizard hosting an investiture ceremony at Government House Wellington
Dame Catherine Tizard was born on the 4th April 1931 in Auckland, to Scottish immigrant parents Neil and Helen McLean. After graduating from Matamata College, she attended the University of Auckland where she completed a degree in zoology and co-authored several papers on sea sponges. Dame Cath then worked at the University as a senior tutor of zoology for 20 years.
Dame Cath getting in to a Air Force jet during a visit to Ohakea. Copyright RNZAF
Her interest in biology and the natural world was matched by her passion for quality childcare and community work. Her roles across these spheres of interest included President of the Play Centre Committee, membership of the Eastern Secondary Schools Board of Governors and terms as an Auckland City Councillor.
Dame Cath was a trailblazer for women in two of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most prominent public offices: the Mayoralty of our biggest city and the role of Governor-General.
In 1983, Dame Cath was elected the first female Mayor of Auckland. During her term, she was instrumental in bringing the 1990 Commonwealth Games to Auckland.
In 1990, Dame Cath was appointed as Governor-General by Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer. Since her term, three more female Governors-General have occupied Government House.
Dame Cath was made a Dame in 1984, and in 2002, she became a member of New Zealand's most prestigious and select group of citizens, the Order of New Zealand. This is New Zealand's highest honour, and at any one time, can be held by 20 living New Zealanders.
Dame Cath with HRH The Prince of Wales during a Royal Visit in 2014
Dame Cath was famous for her down-to-earth manner and sharp wit. She particularly enjoyed hosting events at Government House and meeting a wide cross-section of New Zealand society. She had a keen interest in the arts and scuba diving, and relished the challenge of a good cryptic crossword.
In a 2014 interview with the New Zealand Herald, Dame Cath was asked what she would like her legacy to be. She replied “ To the best of my ability I tried to do some good, tried to make people's lives better in whatever way I could? Without sounding sanctimonious about it. Perhaps just that I tried not to do any harm”.
On 31 October, after a life of extraordinary service and accomplishment, Dame Cath died at the age of 90.
Members of the public have been invited to sign a condolence book in the main entrance of the Executive Wing of Parliament. People can also email messages to condolences@dia.govt.nz.
“I stand here today: grateful for this opportunity, and determined to bring all my experience, understanding, and resolve to this new chapter of our nation’s story”.
On Thursday 21st of October, The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro was sworn in as Governor-General of Aotearoa New Zealand. The ceremony took place in the Legislative Council Chamber of Parliament, attended by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann.
After her Swearing-In at Parliament this morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited Pukeahu National War Memorial Park to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and to sign the Visitor's Book.
Representing the New Zealand Defence Force at Pukeahu was Chief of Defence, AM Kevin Short, Chief of Navy RA David Proctor, Chief of Army Maj Gen John Boswell and Chief of Air Force AVM Andrew Clark.
With the help of digital technology, a very special moment occoured for our Governor-General Designate, Dame Cindy Kiro, when she had a private audience with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, New Zealand’s Head of State.
This follows the long-standing tradition of such meetings before the swearing-in of a new Governor-General, and this virtual meeting enabled a significant moment in our constitutional processes to be recognised.
During the call, Dame Cindy recieved the insignia of Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit and the Queen's Service Order - honours traditionally conferred to the Governor-General.
The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy at her swearing in ceremony, speaking to Chief Justice the Rt Hon Dame Sian Elias
Dame Patsy’s term as Governor-General of New Zealand ended on 28th September 2021. Since being sworn in five years ago to the day, Dame Patsy hosted and attended almost 2000 engagements at both Government House Wellington and Auckland, and across every region in the North and South Island. Dame Patsy and Sir David have also represented New Zealand in 15 countries and welcomed 12 Heads of State to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Throughout her term, Dame Patsy’s strategic priority was to highlight and celebrate New Zealand’s creativity, innovation, leadership and diversity, through the patronage of organisations, the programme of events she hosted at Government House, and her community engagement.
Dame Patsy with Sir Joseph Williams after his investiture at Manaia Marae
Dame Patsy and Sir David are great supporters of the arts, and in 2017 Dame Patsy opened Aotearoa New Zealand's 8th entry in Italy's prestigious Venice Biennale: Lisa Reihana: Emissaries. The international contemporary art exhibition attracted around 500,000 visitors to see this internationally acclaimed work, which focuses on the early interactions between the indigenous peoples of the Pacific and European colonisers.
2018 saw a year of celebrations to mark 125 years since women were given the right to vote in Aotearoa. On Suffrage Day, Dame Patsy hosted two functions that brought together 46 of the 81 living Dames, to celebrate the contributions and achievements of these outstanding wāhine toa. It was the first time such gatherings had been held.
Dame Patsy Reddy with Farid Ahmed at the Canterbury Refugee Resettlement and Resource Centre
Sustainability, including our responsibility to be better kaitiaki for our environment, was also a focus of Dame Patsy's term. In 2019, Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted an inaugural hui for the Aotearoa Circle, a partnership between private and public sector leaders working towards solutions to the climate crisis. Dame Patsy was co-patron of the organisation, along with prominent environmentalist and businessman Sir Rob Fenwick. Since its launch, Dame Patsy hosted further events with the Aotearoa Circle to help promote and continue its work.
Dame Patsy, Sir David and Coco with their Covid-19 Alert Level 4 bubble mates, AsDC FLTLT Sylvie Admore and FLTLT Victor Ikini (Photo copyright Mark Smith)
The global Covid-19 pandemic impacted on Dame Patsy's programme in 2020 and 2021, with some engagements and events shifting to the virtual world. After the first level four nationwide lockdown, Dame Patsy and Sir David met with people working on the frontline - from St John paramedics, to teachers and supermarket staff - thanking them for all they had done during these difficult times.
In her final year, Dame Patsy became the first sitting Governor-General in living memory to visit Parihaka, the historic Taranaki pā at the centre of peaceful resistance against land confiscations in the 1860s.
Although there was much to acknowledge and celebrate during Dame Patsy's term, it was punctuated by immense tragedy, natural disasters and nationwide emergencies. Dame Patsy and Sir David attended memorials for the Whakaari/White Island tragedy and the Christchurch terror attack in 2019. In 2021 Dame Patsy spoke at the ten-year anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake, remembering the many thousands of lives affected by the 6.2 magnitude quake.
One of the Governor-General's most important roles is to hold investiture ceremonies for recipients of New Year and Queen's Birthday Honours. In total, Dame Patsy held around 170 such ceremonies, celebrating the achievements and contributions of outstanding and deserving New Zealanders. While the majority of the ceremonies were held at Government House Wellington and Auckland, on occasion they were held as far north as Waitangi and as far south as Bluff.
Dame Jools and Dame Lynda Topp wearing Te Iti Kahurangi and Whakaawe Kāpara
Dame Patsy initiated ways to incorporate more tikanga into the ceremonies. Recipients are now welcomed with a karanga by the kuia, followed by a karakia from the kaumātua.
Dame Patsy ensured that Dames could receive an equivilent recognition to the accolade recieved by Knights. After receiving their insignia, Dames are given the opportunity to wear one of two korowai - Te Iti Kahurangi and Whakaawe Kāpara. Over time, the whakapapa of the korowai will be imbued with the stories of the women whose contributions have helped to shape Aotearoa's social, cultural and political identity.
Here's a look back to some more significant events from Dame Patsy's term as Governor-General:
Official photo of The Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann
In between a Governor-General’s term ending and the appointment of the next Governor-General, there is a need to fulfil the functions of the office during the interregnum. Until the 21st of October 2021, these roles will be undertaken by The Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann, Administrator of the Government.
The role of Administrator is given to the Chief Justice of New Zealand, with the line of succession following the next most senior members of the New Zealand judiciary.
The Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann was appointed as Chief Justice in December 2018, taking office on the 13th of March 2019. Dame Helen succeeded Rt Hon Dame Sian Elias who concluded her 20-year term as Chief Justice in 2019.
Dame Helen Winkelmann is New Zealand’s 13th Chief Justice and is the second woman to occupy this role. She was born and raised in Auckland, studying history and law at University of Auckland before being admitted to the bar in 1985. After becoming the first female partner at Nicholson Gribbin (now DLA Piper), she became a High Court Judge in 2004, Chief High Court Judge in 2010 and was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2015.
Rt Hon Dame Sian Elias speaking at an event in her capacity as Administrator in 2017.
There are several instances when the Administrator assumes the roles of Governor-General: during the interregnum, if the Governor-General is outside the country or if they are otherwise unable to perform their duties.
The Administrator has the same vice-regal powers as the Governor-General. They perform all constitutional functions the Governor-General would, including attending Executive Council and giving Royal assent to new laws. They may also host events at Government House in the place of the Governor-General.
The Chief Justice has acted as the Administrator since around 1870. Prior to this, the position was filled by senior military officers from British imperial forces.
Conservation and sustainability have been a strong focus of Dame Patsy's engagements during her term of office, so it was highly appropriate that her final official engagement at Government House should be to launch a new initiative of the QEII National Trust: the Partners in Protection Programme. The QEII Trust's mission to inspire private landowners to protect and enhance open spaces of ecological and cultural significance has resulted in over 4,700 protected areas across Aotearoa. The Partners in Protection Programme honours the generosity of individuals and families who plan to leave gifts to the Trust in their wills and allows the Trust to thank such supporters in the course of their lifetime, and celebrate their passion for protection, enhancement, and preservation of New Zealand’s land. Hon Kiritapu Allan, Minister of Conservation also spoke at the launch, as well as Bruce Wills, who received an ONZM this year for his services to agriculture and conservation.
A very special gathering was held in Taupaepae on the 20th September for the unveiling of Dame Patsy’s Coat of Arms, which now sit proudly next to those of Sir Jerry Mateparae. The Coat of Arms reflects Dame Patsy and Sir David’s support of the arts, so it was very appropriate that the team from Wētā Workshop was tasked with bringing the Armorial Bearings to life. This is the first time the Governor-General's Coat of Arms has not been completely hand-carved, as Wētā Workshop used a milling machine to help capture the fine details.
The supporters on the Coat of Arms are two tīeke (North Island Saddleback), birds noted for their flute-like whistles and warbles. The badge is a huia standing on a fern frond surrounded by a gold chain and stylised mānuka flowers, which represents the Queen’s Service Order. This is the first time both the tīeke and the huia have appeared on a vice-regal Coat of Arms. It is also the first time a Badge has been granted to a woman in New Zealand.
The shield features the comedy and tragedy masks and the Cotises are stylised film strips. There are also two carved pūtōrino, a wooden taonga puoro, in reference to those played by former Government House Artist-in-Residence Horomona Horo. The motto is the whakataukī “He toi whakairo he mana tangata”, which translates to “where there is artistic excellence there is human dignity”. This whakataukī is particularly significant to Dame Patsy as it was also a favourite of her former Kaumatua, the late Professor Piri Sciascia.
The Coat of Arms was designed by New Zealand Herald of Arms Extraordinary, Phillip O'Shea.
Dame Patsy virtually welcomed incoming Diplomats to Government House with the return of Credentials ceremonies via Zoom this afternoon. Presenting their letters of credence today were HE Mrs Felicidade de Sousa Guterres, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, HE Mr Wolfgang-Lukas Strohmayer, Ambassador of Austria, HE Mr Joe Tapera Mhishi, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe, HE Mr Ronald Recinos, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala and HE Mr Mario Farrugia Borg, High Commissioner of the Republic of Malta.
As a result of New Zealand being in Alert Level 3 and with all but two of the Diplomats based in Australia, the ceremony was held via Zoom.
In usual circumstances, Credentials ceremonies showcase a uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand welcome for Ambassadors and High Commissioners as they begin their posting. The setup of the Zoom version instead offers a lesson on Kiwi ingenuity!
This afternoon at Government House, Dame Patsy awarded Royal Humane Society of New Zealand Silver Medals to three extraordinary New Zealanders. Surrounded by family and friends, Constable Scott Higby, Finekata Moataane, and Provisional Sergeant Brett Anthony Neal were recognised for acts of exceptional bravery, and for putting their own lives at risk in the service of others. This was Dame Patsy’s final ceremony as patron of the Royal Humane Society, which has been part of New Zealand’s formal acknowledgement and recognition system for nearly 123 years.
After visiting the site during its construction last year, Dame Patsy had the privilege to open Pet Refuge’s new space, which can now welcome up to 75 animals including cats, dogs, birds and other small pets. At the opening, Dame Patsy and Sir David had a tour of the site and its facilities, which offers animal enrichment areas, a vet clinic and some cosy cat beds made by students at Unitec.
A recent study by Women’s Refuge found that 53% of women facing family violence delayed leaving out of fear for the safety of their pets. To answer this need, Pet Refuge was created to give pets temporary accommodation while their owners seek help.
The opening was attended by several people instrumental in the creation of Pet Refuge, including Women's Refuge Chief Executive Dr Ang Jury. Women's Refuge will partner with Pet Refuge to ensure pets caught up in family violence can get to safety while their owners do too.
For Dame Patsy’s final regional visit as Governor-General, she headed north to Taranaki for a three-
day trip. The first stop on the trip was a celebration gala for Taranaki Arts Festival Trust’s 30 Years of Festivals. TAFT are responsible for hosting some of the biggest arts festivals in the Taranaki region, including the hugely popular WOMAD music festival. The evening included a cabaret performance by Mandy Meadows, singing a selection of songs from her show Piaf: The Legend.
The next morning, Dame Patsy and Sir David were welcomed onto the historic Parihaka marae, a village formed by Te Whiti-O-Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi in 1866. During the New Zealand Wars, it became a home for disenfranchised and displaced Māori, and was known for its use of peaceful resistance against land confiscation. It was invaded in 1881 by Crown constabulary, who spent four years there and imprisoned many of the settlement’s residents.
Dame Patsy was shown around the Pā, which is home to many whare built by iwi from around the country. She was taken to a hill near the entrance, with views of the Pā, the urupā and Mt Taranaki. The hill was also the site of a barracks used by the constabulary, which had cannons pointing at peaceful protestors below.
On the marae, iwi leaders had a whaikōrero about Parihaka’s past and their plans for the future.
Afterwards, it was on to New Plymouth’s information hub, Puke Ariki. The striking building is home to a library, research centre and museum that focuses on the natural world and history of Taranaki.
That evening, Dame Patsy presented the inaugural Govett-Brewster Foundation Awards at the gallery’s 50th Year celebrations. The awards recognised people who had been instrumental in the creation and support of the gallery over their 50-year history. The Govett-Brewster Gallery is also home to the Len Lye Centre, a gallery dedicated to the Canterbury-born artist. While there, Dame Patsy saw a performance by one of Len Lye’s kinetic works called Wand Dance.
The final day began with a trip up to the historic Camp House in North Egmont National Park to meet with Department of Conservation, Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa Trust and Taranaki Mounga Project to discuss the amazing success they have had in the journey to restore Mt Taranaki’s natural flora and fauna. Together with a huge number of volunteers, the National Park has become the first in the country to be able to say they are goat-free – this has given the natural vegetation a chance to grow back, and has helped the native birds flourish in the area.
The final stop on the regional was to Theory Food, a catering company that has combined with charity Gabby’s Starlit Hope, to provide meals for children and their families while the child is in hospital battling cancer. Dame Patsy and Sir David hopped in the kitchen to help put together some meals destined for parents with kids in hospital; on the menu that evening were chicken tacos.
Below are more photos for the following engagements:
Last night at Government House Dame Patsy was presented with a Distinguished Fellowship Award by the Institute of Directors, in recognition of her contribution in governance roles in the private sector and government.
The second stop on Dame Patsy's final visit to Christchurch was a place she is now well-familiar with - the Canterbury Refugee Resettlement and Resource Centre. This was her fourth visit to the centre, based in the Phillipstown Community Hub. While she was there, members shared their stories about how they came to New Zealand and what it was like for them settling in to their new home.
Founder Ahmed Tani presented Dame Patsy with a poem about diversity to thank her for her visits to the centre during her term.
On their first stop during the day visit to Christchurch, Dame Patsy and Sir David visited leading New Zealand sustainable fashion lable Untouched World. They produce most of their garments in New Zealand from sustainable and ethical sources that are as local as possible, with the exception of fibres unavailable to source in Aotearoa.
While there, they also learned about the brands enviromental education program, Untouched World Foundation. It teaches rangatahi from around the country about leadership and environmental issues, helping better equip the next generation to face the big environmental issues facing our country and the planet.
This afternoon Dame Patsy and Sir David attended the official opening of the Waikato Regional Council's new premises in Hamilton.
Dame Patsy declared the building open, and Kiingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero te Tuawhitu unveiled taonga at various points in the building.
The Council chose to move into a building where there was a commitment to reduce carbon footprint wherever possible, in line with the Council’s ‘green pledge’ to its communities. Structural timber flooring has been used instead of concrete and steel, carbon neutral and recycled material has been used in floor coverings, and there is provision for electric vehicle charging and solar panels.
A 10,000m holding tank is located under the garden on Tristram Street, fed from rainwater collected on the roof. This water meets the irrigation requirements of the garden.
Solar panels power water heating, car charging, lighting, and the HVAC systems.
This evening, Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a reception for the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata. The Gallery, which has its permanent home at Shed 11 on Wellington’s Waterfront, tells the story of New Zealanders through portraiture. The charitable trust has a collection of portraits on display, and is currently hosting The Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award. Dame Patsy and Sir David had the chance to visit this exhibition earlier in the week; the new Award encourages emerging Māori artists to create a portrait of their tūpuna. From the 128 entries, 40 finalists were displayed at the Portrait Gallery, with the winners selected by prominent artists Sir Derek Lardelli, Lisa Reihana and Kura Te Waru Rewiri.
At Olympic House in Auckland, Dame Patsy and Sir David received a briefing from New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith and NZOC President Mike Stanley. They also had the chance to speak with soon-to-be departing weightlifting coach Richie Patterson, Black Sticks vice-captain Sam Charlton and karate competitor Andrea Anacan. Andrea Anacan is set to be the first New Zealander to compete in Karate – a new event added to the Olympics.
While at Olympic House, Dame Patsy was presented with a special taonga; a pounamu gifted to each member of the New Zealand Olympic and Paralympic team. The pounamu are individually carved by Ngāi Tahu.
Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David were hosted to a dinner by the Royal Wellington Golf Club. Governors and Governors-General have had a long association with the Club.
Following on from last week’s dinner for the 11 Defence personnel who have acted as her Aides de
Camp, yesterday evening Dame Patsy thanked New Zealand Defence personnel for their support during her term of office. Army, Air Force and Navy personnel have provided Guards of Honour, cultural parties and bands for ceremonial occasions, including State Welcomes.
Memorable engagements with Defence have included international commemorations, opportunities to meet veterans and current personnel, the naming ceremony for HMNZS ‘Aotearoa’ in South Korea and a subsequent voyage on the ship in New Zealand waters. Other highlights include visiting Defence bases, attending graduation ceremonies – and taking a 10-hour trip on a Hercules to Vanuatu. At the dinner, Chief of Defence AM Kevin Short presented Dame Patsy with the New Zealand Armed Forces award.
To mark the occasion, Government House was lit up with a fireworks display projected on the outside of the building.
Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted the annual Caring Families Aotearoa Excellence in Foster Care awards for some outstanding carers this afternoon. The annual awards recognise carers from around New Zealand going above and beyond for young people in need. Today, 15 outstanding people were recognised for going above and beyond, looking after tamariki and rangatahi in their care.
Deputy Chair of Caring Families Aotearoa Colin Hardgrave put it well when he said that a caring family brings the gift of healing to tamariki and rangatahi, helping to stop hurt kids becoming hurt adults.
Last Friday, following the investiture ceremony at Christchurch Town Hall, Dame Patsy and Sir David went to St George's Hospital for the official opening of the Cressy Wing. The Wing completes the hospital's extensive rebuild programme that was required after the Canterbury earthquakes.
The Cressy Wing includes operating theatres, a laundry, an efficient energy centre and a maternity ward.
Congratulations to the 11 recipients who received the insignia of their honours at a ceremony in Christchurch this morning. Amongst them were HamiltonJet Chairman and Technical Director Mike Hamilton, recognised for services to marine engineering and business and top police officer Inspector Kieren Kortegast. Thank you all for the contribution you have made to your communities and to Aotearoa New Zealand
In February, a scheduled visit to Bluff's Te Rau Aroha Marae was postponed because of Level Two protocols around the size of public gatherings.
After a very special trip to Whenua Hou yesterday to see the kakapo programme in action, which included meeting a five-year old kakapo named Ian, Dame Patsy and Sir David were welcomed at Te Rau Aroha Marae this morning.
Te Rau Aroha is our southern-most marae and is renowned for its unusual octaganal shape (based on on whare-rau - leaf covered dwellings) and the remarkable carvings, sculpture and decorations designed by Cliff Whiting.
Today Dame Patsy recalled the Ngai Tahu Marae she has visited in her term, and acknowledged the opportunities those visits have given her to learn about New Zealand history. Today Dame Patsy also presented Muriel Johnstone with her insignia for an MNZM, visited the local early learning centre and toured the marae vegetable gardens.
To contend with the crisp Wellington weather, Dame Patsy hosted a smaller (warmer) credentials ceremony inside for new Ambassadors and High Commissioners this morning. Presenting their letters of credence were Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica HE Mr Armando Vargas Araya, High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana HE Dr Joseph Nii Sai Coffie-Agoe, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic HE Mr George Papakostas and High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria HE Mr Anderson Nkemakonam Madubike.
Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David attended a meeting of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs at Victoria University. Dame Patsy spoke to an audience of NZIIA members and members of the Diplomatic Corps about the international aspect of the Governor-General's role.
The work the Child Cancer Foundation does is so important to families going through an incredibly stressful time. The driving force behind the fantastic work foundation does are people who generously give their time, knowledge and skills – many in a volunteer capacity. This afternoon Dame Patsy presented four Child Cancer Foundation Honorary Life Membership Awards to recognise the years of service each recipient has given to the foundation and the children they support.
The work each recipient has done ranged from governance expertise, securing buildings for the Foundation after the Christchurch Earthquakes to direct family support.
