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  • 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
    • 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
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  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

  • Auckland Investitures Thursday 2 May 2024 AM

    Post date:
    Thursday, 2 May 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    On behalf of Dame Cindy, Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann welcomed eight recipients for the first of the 2024 New Year Honours investiture ceremonies in Auckland. FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer, Dame Sarai Bareman, was recognised for her immense contributions to football both in Aotearoa and worldwide. Dame Sarai overseas the development of the women’s game in 211 countries, and was instrumental in hosting last year’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia. 
    Also recognised was teacher Nua Semuā Silipa, who received an ONZM for services to Pacific education. Where she taught, her prioritisation of Māori and Pasifika academic success helped lift NCEA achievement from 51 to 90%. Congratulations to all this morning’s recipients!

    For more photos, click here: Thursday 2 May AM media gallery.

    Nua Semuā Silipa, Dame Helen Winkelmann
    Auckland Investitures May 2 2024 AM

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  • Anzac Day 2024

    Post date:
    Thursday, 25 Apr 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    As dawn broke over Te Whanganui-a-Tara this Anzac Day morning, thousands gathered at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park to mark New Zealand's national day of commemoration and remembrance. The National Dawn Service included stunning musical performances by the Tawa College Choir and RNZAF Band, readings and karakia, and the laying of wreaths beneath the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
     
    In her address during the service, Dame Cindy paid special tribute to the Second World War veterans in attendance and around New Zealand, and reflected on the enduring meaning of Anzac Day: 'With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace.'
     
    Dame Cindy delivering her address
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    You can read Dame Cindy's full address via Her Excellency's address for the Anzac Day Dawn Service and find more images in the image gallery for the Anzac Day Dawn Service. You can also read Dame Cindy's address from the mid-morning Anzac Day National Service via Her Excellency's address for the Anzac Day National Service and find more images in the image gallery for Anzac Day National Service.
     
    Kia maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. We will remember them.

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  • Service of Commemoration for the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda

    Post date:
    Saturday, 20 Apr 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    This morning in Auckland, Dame Cindy spoke at the Service of Commemoration marking 30 years since the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda. In just 100 days, an estimated one million Rwandans, nearly all Tutsi, were killed. The service was attended by Hon Andrew Bayly, His Excellency Mr Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, Rwandan High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mr Colin Keating, Former Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations, as well as many members of the Rwandan community in New Zealand.

    In her speech, Dame Cindy spoke of the unthinkable events of the Genocide, and the importance of learning the lessons of our past: 'At this moment in our history, where we see so much of the suffering and despair of innocent people in the world around us, we do well to remember this lesson. We must compel ourselves not to turn away from the suffering of others, but to do all we can to encourage understanding, reconciliation, and peace – and to deal with one another with generosity and compassion.'

    Dame Cindy delivering her address
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    You can find more images from the service in the image gallery and read Dame Cindy's full speech via Her Excellency's speech.

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  • School to Seas

    Post date:
    Friday, 19 Apr 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    On Friday, Dame Cindy and Doctor Davies spent time with the 40 female senior secondary students attending this year's School-to-Seas Camp at Devonport Naval Base. Hundreds of girls apply for the week-long camp, which promotes STEM careers in marine industries as well as the RNZN, and culminates in team construction of underwater remote-operated-vehicles. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were on hand to see the test runs in the pool and try out the controls themselves. They also visited a very realistic bridge simulator, where training is provided on navigating and steering a ship. The visit concluded with a quick trip back across the harbour in a Navy RHIB. 

    To read Dame Cindy's speech, click this link School to Seas.

    To view further images, click this link School to Seas.

     

     

    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies with the students attending the RNZN School to Seas Camp
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    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies on a navy RHIB
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  • Kiwi Release at Rotoroa Island

    Post date:
    Thursday, 18 Apr 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were joined by Gen Hon David Hurley Mrs Linda Hurley for a very special day on Rotoroa Island yesterday, where they released Cove the 17-day-old Coromandel Brown Kiwi. Rotoroa Island Trust works with Save the Kiwi on this bird sanctuary in the Hauraki Gulf, creating a kiwi creche for around 50 young chicks to grow up safely away from introduced predators. When the chicks reach around 1kg, they are moved to their permanent homes around Aotearoa. Ngāti Tai Ki Tāmaki and Ngāti Paoa held a pōwhiri to welcome Cove to the island.

    For more pictures, click here: Kiwi Release on Rotoroa Island media gallery.

    Dame Cindy, General Hurley, Dr Davies and Mrs Hurley with Jo Ritchie and Cove
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  • Reception for His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley

    Post date:
    Thursday, 18 Apr 2024

    Last night Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a reception for the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley. Guests represented a range of sectors, including defence, government, business, tourism, sport, and the arts. Dame Cindy and General Hurley exchanged gifts of a taiaha and a vase by renowned Australian glass artist, Keith Rowe. 

    To see more images, go to Reception for His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley and Mrs Hurley .

    To read Dame Cindy's speech, go to Reception for His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley and Mrs Hurley.

    Dr Davies and Dame Cindy with the Australian Governor-General, General the Honourable David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley
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  • Wreath laying at Pukeahu with the Governor-General of Australia

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 17 Apr 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    This morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies accompanied His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), the Governor-General of Australia, and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley to Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.
     
    Their Excellencies paid their respects together at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, and General and Mrs Hurley lay a wreath on behalf of Australians in the beautiful Hall of Memories. They also took the opportunity to spend time at the Australian Memorial in Pukeahu, which commemorates the long and close relationship between the peoples of Australia and New Zealand.
    Their Excellencies stand in reflection during the Last Post
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    You can find more images from the ceremony in the image gallery for the wreath laying at Pukeahu with the Governor-General of Australia.

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  • State Dinner for the Governor-General of Australia

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 17 Apr 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    Last night at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a State Dinner for His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), the Governor-General of Australia, and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley.
     
    During her address to the assembled guests, Dame Cindy emphasised the strength and warmth of the relationship between our two countries: 'The Ceremony of Welcome afforded to you today affirms and celebrates the special connection between our Governors-General – as well as the very special relationship that exists between Australia and New Zealand.'
    His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Dame Cindy enter the ballroom
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    You can read Dame Cindy's full speech in Her Excellency's speech for the State Dinner for the Governor-General of Australia and you can see more images from the event in the image gallery for the State Dinner for the Governor-General of Australia.

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  • State Welcome Ceremony for the Governor-General of Australia

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 16 Apr 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    This afternoon, with the autumn sun shining down on Government House Wellington's North Lawn, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a State Welcome Ceremony for His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), the Governor-General of Australia, and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley. This very special event is customary for all Australian Governors-General during their term of office – and the first time that Government House has hosted an official State Welcome since before the Covid-19 pandemic. We wish Their Excellencies a wonderful visit to Aotearoa New Zealand.
    The cultural party perform the wero
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    You can find more images from the ceremony in the image gallery for the State Welcome Ceremony for the Governor-General of Australia.

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  • Cambodian New Year Festival

    Post date:
    Monday, 15 Apr 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    Yesterday at the Wellington Cambodian Buddhist Temple in Island Bay, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies took part in a very special celebration of the Cambodian New Year. Their Excellencies enjoyed the wonderful array of food prepared by members of the community, and received a blessing from the Senior Venerable Suthep Surapong MNZM, who has played a significant role in supporting New Zealand's Cambodian community since arriving in Aotearoa nearly 40 years ago.
    Dame Cindy greeting members of the gathering
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    You can find more images from the event in the image gallery for the Cambodian New Year Festival and Dame Cindy's speech via Her Excellency's speech for the Cambodian New Year Festival. Wishing all who celebrate a very happy, safe and prosperous New Year.

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  • Launch of "The Wolf and the Hocus Pocus"

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 9 Apr 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    Children from Newtown School were our guests of honour at this morning's launch of a children's book "The Wolf and the Hocus Pocus", the latest publication in the "Feel Brave" series of books written by Avril McDonald. The series focusses on helping children deal with their feelings and concerns, and is supported by Save the Children, Women's Refuge, and the New Zealand Life Education Trust. The children were joined by Harold the Giraffe while they had their morning tea, and Dame Cindy presented them each with a crown pin as a memento of their visit to Government House.

    For more pictures, click here: Launch of The Wolf and Hocus Pocus.

    Avril McDonald introducing a character from her book to Newtown School children

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  • Credentials ceremonies April 2024

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 3 Apr 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed three new diplomatic heads of mission to their postings in Aotearoa New Zealand: HE Mr Sakias Tameo, High Commissioner of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea; HE Mr Makoto Osawa, Ambassador of Japan; and HE Mr Arto Haapea, Ambassador of Finland. We wish Their Excellencies all the very best in their new roles.

    HE Mr Arto Haapea, Ambassador of Finland greeting a member of the cultural party
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    More images of the ceremony are available via the image gallery: Credential ceremonies April 2024.

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  • Corps Day Dinner for the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps

    Post date:
    Thursday, 28 Mar 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    As Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, this evening Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps at Government House to commemorate their annual Corps Day. This was a chance to acknowledge the role nurses have played in the New Zealand Army Ngāti Tūmatauenga, from heroic efforts in First and Second World Wars, giving life-changing medical treatment in isolated places in the Pacific, and recently, assisting with natural disaster responses both here and abroad. Dame Cindy noted throughout the Nursing Corps 109-year history, they have exemplified their ethos of protecting patient welfare in the most extreme situations.

    To read Dame Cindy's speech, click here: Dame Cindy's speech for the RNZNC.

    For more pictures, click here: Media gallery for the RNZNC Corps Day.

    Official photo with the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps
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  • Reception for the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 26 Mar 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    This evening at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a reception to acknowledge all those who have made the recent Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts such a great success. Over the past four weeks, the Festival has brought together an extraordinary array of writers, dancers, comedians, musicians and artists from around the world, for performances, talks and exhibitions across Wellington.
     
    In her address, Dame Cindy took the opportunity to thank all those involved in organising, sponsoring and performing in the Festival, and reflected on the universal importance of the arts: 'At a time when we might feel overwhelmed by events in the world around us, the arts remain a place of comfort, and a source of wisdom and guidance – a place where we can remind ourselves of the goodness in the world and each other.'
     
    Staff from the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts perform a waiata
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    You can find more images in the image gallery for the reception for the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts and Dame Cindy's full speech via Her Excellency's speech for the reception.

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  • Visit by the Ulu-o-Tokelau

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 26 Mar 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    This morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were delighted to welcome the Ulu-o-Tokelau, the Honourable Alapati Tavite, and Ministers from the General Fono to Government House. The Ulu-o-Tokelau rotates annually between the elected Faipule (village leaders) of the three atolls, with the most recent election being held in 2023. This is the first visit to Aotearoa by the Ulu-o-Tokelau since 2018. 

    More photos can be found here: Media gallery for the visit of the Ulu-o-Tokelau.

    Dame Cindy and Dr Davies with Hon Alapati Tavite and Mrs Silivia Tavite
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  • Forest and Bird Centennial Dinner

    Post date:
    Monday, 25 Mar 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    On Friday night Dame Cindy hosted a centennial dinner for members of Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, as well as supporters and funders. Dame Cindy acknowledged the role Forest and Bird has played in raising awareness about threats to New Zealand's environment, and enabling hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders to become involved in efforts to restore and protect the natural world.

    You can find more images from the dinner in the image gallery and Dame Cindy's full speech via Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society Centennial Dinner speech

    Nicola Toki presenting Forest and Bird's centennial publication to Dame Cindy
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  • Luncheon with the Christchurch Business Club

    Post date:
    Thursday, 21 Mar 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    Yesterday at the Canterbury Club in Christchurch, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended a luncheon hosted by the Christchurch Business Club. The Club was originally founded in 1931, and serves as a place for Christchurch's business leaders to build connections and share experiences and ideas.
     
    In her speech at the luncheon, Dame Cindy commended those in attendance for their contributions to a thriving Christchurch, and took the opportunity to quote Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: ‘The context of the lives of the next generation is being set, here and now, not so much by the legacy of science or wealth or political structure that we shall leave behind us, but by the example of our attitudes and behaviour to one another, and by trying to show unselfish, loving and creative concern for those less fortunate than ourselves.’
    Dame Cindy delivering her address
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    You can find more images from the luncheon in the image gallery and Dame Cindy's full speech via Her Excellency's speech for the luncheon.

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  • Christchurch Investiture 19 March 2024 PM

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 19 Mar 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    Dame Cindy hosted a further investiture ceremony this afternoon at the Christchurch Town Hall, acknowledging the service and achievements of eleven outstanding New Zealanders. Emeritus Professor Alison Cree received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her outstanding career in the fields of zoology and herpetology, and particularly for her work to protect tuatara. Mr Corey Peters won gold at the 2022 Beijing Paralympics in the Men's Downhill Sitting event and was presented with the insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Other recipients were acknowledged for their contributions across the fields of music, health, ju-jitsu, Māori development, sport, conservation, and dance.

    Ms Lisa Tumahai, of Hokitika, CNZM, for services to Māori development
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    You can find more images from the ceremony in the image gallery.

    Christchurch Investiture 19 March 2024 PM

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  • Christchurch Investiture 19 March 2024 AM

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 19 Mar 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    This morning in beautiful autumnal Christchurch, Dame Cindy hosted the first of two investiture ceremonies, presenting insignia to recipients of Royal New Zealand Honours. Among those acknowledged was Dr Vanessa Beavis, who received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her many years of services to anaesthesia. Dr Hafsa Ahmed was also acknowledged for her services to ethnic communities and women, including through her support of the Muslim community following the 2019 Christchurch terror attacks. Very warmest congratulations to all recipients.

    Dr Hafsa Ahmed, Dame Cindy Kiro
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    You can find more images from the ceremony in the image gallery.

    Christchurch Investiture 19 March 2024 AM

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  • Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's 80th birthday celebration

    Post date:
    Friday, 15 Mar 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    Last night at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a very special celebration of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's 80th birthday. Dame Kiri had an extraordinary career as one of the world's most acclaimed opera singers, and continues to give back to the next generation of opera talent through the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation. Among her many honours, Dame Kiri was made a member of the Order of New Zealand – New Zealand's highest Royal Honour – in 1995.
     
    The evening included a moving performance by bass-baritone Samson Setu, as well as a message from His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who passed on their very best wishes and congratulations. Dame Cindy also paid tribute to this truly remarkable New Zealander: 'The fullness, intensity, and generosity with which Dame Kiri has lived her life, emanates in her performances over the years, and has cemented her status as a true New Zealand icon.'
    Dame Kiri congratulates Samson on his performance
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    You find more images in the image gallery for Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's 80th birthday celebration and read Dame Cindy's speech via the speech for Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's 80th birthday celebration.

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  • Commonwealth Day 2024

    Post date:
    Monday, 11 Mar 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    To mark the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth, Dame Cindy was joined by members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Royal Commonwealth Society, and members of the Interfaith Community for the annual Commonwealth Day celebrations at Parliament. Dame Cindy read a message from His Majesty King Charles III, where His Majesty noted that the diversity of the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries continues to be its greatest strength. This evening's celebrations also featured a stunning performance from the Wellington East Girls College Polynesian Group.
    The Commonwealth of Nations consist of around one third of the world’s population – about 2.5 billion people – working towards shared goals of prosperity, democracy, and peace.
     
    For more images, click here: Commonwealth Day 2024 media gallery.
    To read the Commonwealth Day message from HM King Charles III, click here: HM King Charles III Commonwealth Day message.
    Their Excellencies greet Lady Susan Satyanand
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  • Fair Food International Women's Day High Tea

    Post date:
    Friday, 8 Mar 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    Today Dame Cindy chose to celebrate International Women's Day with women who are involved in food rescue work in Tamaki Makaurau. Dame Cindy honoured staff, supporters, suppliers and funders of Fair Food, which recovers surplus fresh food from growers, manufacturers and supermarkets and works with partner organisations to get food to people who cannot afford to feed themselves and their families. Through their intervention, two tons of food per day are diverted from landfills, and thousands of Auckland people receive the sustenance they need.

    You can read Dame Cindy's speech at this link: Fair Food International Women's Day speech. 

    For more images from the High Tea, click here: Fair Food International Women's Day media gallery.

    Dame Cindy and guests at the Fair Food High Tea
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  • Commemorative Wreath laying marking the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings

    Post date:
    Friday, 8 Mar 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    2024 commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where 156,000 allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy and liberated German-occupied France, which was one of the major turning points in WWII. To remember the New Zealand Merchant Navy’s role in the landings, Dr Davies joined New Zealand Defence Force, Merchant Navy, and Diplomatic Corps representatives for a memorial at Ōtaki College, led by Principal Andy Fraser and his students. They were also joined by members of the Arctic Convoy Club, who are WWII veterans that served at sea. While no Royal New Zealand Naval ships were present at the D-Day landings, the Monowai and Aorangi from the New Zealand Merchant Navy were part of this historic armada. They transported troops and equipment to support the effort, and ferried back casualties to England.  Ōtaki College has a strong connection to the SS Ōtaki, a Merchant Navy ship that was sunk in WWI.

    For more photos, click here: Wreath laying at Ōtaki College.

    Dr Davies with Sydney Wells and Stanley Welch
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  • 2024 Caring Families Aotearoa Excellence in Foster Care Awards

    Post date:
    Thursday, 7 Mar 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    As we mark Caregiver Awareness Week, Dame Cindy had the pleasure of hosting the 2024 Caring Families Aotearoa Excellence in Foster Care Awards this afternoon at Government House Wellington. These awards recognise those who go above and beyond to care for vulnerable children – giving them a safe, supportive, and loving home environment.
     
    Among those recognised were Verna and George Kite, who have been fostering children for 56 years. Now in their 80s, they are still active in the caring community and share their knowledge with new foster parents. Also recognised was Te Ahuru Ruri, who has been a specialist caregiver with Kia Puāwai for 16 years, and was praised for his kindness and compassion – particularly when caring for children from difficult backgrounds.
     
    You can find more images from the event here and Dame Cindy speech here. Very warmest congratulations to all recipients of the Excellence in Foster Care Awards.
    More photos from today can be found here: 2024 Excellence in Foster Care media gallery.
    Congratulating Verna Kite
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  • Dame Cindy opens Newtown Festival 2024

    Post date:
    Sunday, 3 Mar 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    This morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited Wellington’s iconic Newtown Festival, with Dame Cindy officially opening the event. The Newtown Festival is an annual street celebration bringing around 100,000 people to Newtown to enjoy stalls, kai, and live performances. As today is also Children’s Day, the talented Te Kapa Haka o Te Kura o Ngā Puna from Newtown School performed the haka whakatau to begin the day’s festivities.

    For more pictures, click here: Newtown Festival 2024 media gallery.

    Watching Te Kapa Haka o Te Kura o Ngā Puna perform
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  • Celebrating 50 Years of the Spirit

    Post date:
    Monday, 26 Feb 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    For the past 50 years, youth training ships the Spirit of Adventure, and later the Spirit of New Zealand, have been providing Aotearoa’s rangatahi a unique space to challenge themselves at sea. As patron of the Spirit of Adventure Trust, Dame Cindy was welcomed aboard the Spirit of New Zealand in Wellington Harbour to help celebrate 50 years of voyages in New Zealand. Time sailing on the Spirit sees young people working together as a crew while building confidence, resilience and leadership skills - and of course, learning a thing or two about tall ships. Since that first voyage, almost 100,000 young people have taken part. 

    For more photos, click here: Celebrating 50 Years of the Spirit media gallery.

    Singing some sea shanties
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  • Afternoon tea for the Diplomatic Corps Spouses Association

    Post date:
    Thursday, 22 Feb 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    Yesterday afternoon Dr Davies welcomed members of the Diplomatic Corps Spouses Association for an afternoon tea at Government House. It was a chance to acknowledge their role in supporting their partners who are heads or deputy heads of diplomatic missions in New Zealand. Dr Davies also thanked the Association for the work they do on behalf of foreign nationals in Aotearoa, facilitating cultural events and offering support and advice in times of need.

    For more photos, click here: Diplomatic Corps Spouses Association media gallery.

    Dr Davies speaks to the Association
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  • 61st ISPS Handa Halberg Awards

    Post date:
    Thursday, 15 Feb 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    As Patron of the Halberg Foundation, Dame Cindy had the pleasure to present the Supreme Award to Dame Lisa Carrington at last night’s ISPS Handa Halberg Awards. Dame Lisa has now won the Supreme Award three times, reflecting her truly outstanding career in canoe racing. Among the other recipients was Julian David, a 19-year-old speed climber who won the emerging talent award. Julian is the U20 youth world speed climbing champion, winning New Zealand’s first gold medal at a world championship level event. The New Zealand Warriors were voted New Zealand’s favourite sporting moment after their incredibly successful year. Last night’s awards recognised sporting excellence in Aotearoa, and are in support of the Halberg Foundation. Since 1963, the Halberg Foundation has been helping young people with physical disabilities have greater access to sports in New Zealand. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.

    For more photos, click here: 61st ISPS Handa Halberg Awards media gallery.

    Dame Cindy speaking at the ISPS Handa Halberg Awards
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  • Visit to Ngā Ara Whetū, Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society

    Post date:
    Wednesday, 14 Feb 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    Yesterday, Dame Cindy visited the University of Auckland’s Ngā Ara Whetū/Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society, to award the winner of the Centre’s ‘Reimagine our World' competition. The winning entry by Marco de Krester, imagined a world in 2050 where instead of halting climate change today, we bioengineered the ocean to assist marine life’s survival – noting how it’s critical to act now rather than find costly fixes when it’s almost too late. 

    The climate, climate change, biodiversity and societal transformation present complex issues. Established in 2022, Ngā Ara Whetū enables transdisciplinary collaboration to find solutions to these issues, and the ones our planet is predicted to face in the future. They work alongside iwi and other stakeholders, using their different areas of expertise to help people and the planet thrive.

    More photos can be found here: Ngā Ara Whetū, Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society - media gallery.

    Dame Cindy with Professor Jacqueline Beggs and Dr Maria Armoudian
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  • Presentation of the Address in Reply 2024

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 13 Feb 2024
    Category:
    Feature

    This morning the Speaker of the House came to Government House to present the Address in Reply to the Governor-General. The Address in Reply is the House of Representatives' thanks to the Governor-General for delivering the Speech from the Throne, which outlines the Government's legislative and policy programme for the 54th Parliament.

    The Rt Hon Gerry Brownlee greeting Dame Cindy and Dr Davies
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    You can find more images from the ceremony in Presentation of the Address in Reply 2024 Image Gallery.

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  • Waitangi Day Luncheon with the Diplomatic Corps

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 6 Feb 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    In Dame Cindy's final Waitangi Day engagement for this year, Her Excellency hosted the Diplomatic Corps for a very special luncheon in the Tahuaroa Function Centre on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The luncheon included moving reflections on the past week at Waitangi, the sharing of kai, and, of course, waiata.
     
    Dame Cindy took the opportunity at the luncheon to deliver her Waitangi Day Address, in which she reflected on the words of Sir Paul Reeves: '"Unity is not oneness. Unity encompasses difference. The search for unity is an invitation not to fear, but to explore what is not familiar." It is my hope that such kotahitanga, such unity, as Sir Paul conceived it, can be our guiding principle as we navigate these times – and it was in that spirit of kotahitanga that my own ancestors signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi, here, on these grounds, 184 years ago.'
    Dame Cindy and Government House staff sing a waiata
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    You can find more images from the luncheon in the Waitangi Day Luncheon with the Diplomatic Corps image gallery.

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  • Waitangi Day Dawn Service 2024

    Post date:
    Tuesday, 6 Feb 2024
    Category:
    Feature
    This morning, as dawn broke over the beautiful Bay of Islands, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies joined the thousands in attendance at Te Whare Rūnanga for the Waitangi Day Dawn Service. Attendees joined together in song, contemplation and prayer, as Aotearoa New Zealand marks 184 years since the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 
     
    During the service, Dame Cindy read from He Waiata Whakamoemiti:
     
    Nō reira mātou ka tāpae ki a koe
    I a mātou whakamoemiti.
    Mō Ranginui i runga nei, mō Papa-Tūānuku e takoto iho nei.
    Mō ngā maunga whakahī, mō ngā puke-kōrero
    Mō ngā tai-mihi-tāngata, mō ngā moana e hora nei.
     
    Kia whakapaingia a te Karaiti,
    Mō ngā tūpuna, mātua, mō te hunga tapu.
    Ngā tōtara whakamarumaru, ngā toka tūmoana,
    Ngā kākā wahanui, ngā puna roimata.
    Kia tīaho te māramatanga ki a rātou,
    Kia au tā rātou moe.
     
    So now we offer our thanks
    for the beauty of these islands;
    for the wild places and the bush,
    for the mountains, the coast and the sea.
     
    Our thanks for marae and the cities we have built;
    for science and discoveries,
    for our life together,
    for Aotearoa, New Zealand.
    Dame Cindy delivering her opening prayer
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    You can find more images from the service in the Waitangi Day Dawn Service 2024 image gallery.

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