This morning recipients at the investiture ceremony included beloved television presenter, educator, author and musician Suzy Cato ONZM, former All Blacks coach Ian Foster CNZM, and former Government Minister, the Honourable Dover Samuels KSO.
Wayne Boyd, CNZM was acknowledged at this afternoon's investiture ceremony for his extensive contributions to business, philanthropy and sport. Former Member of Parliament Anae Lupematasila Arthur Anae, MNZM, was recognised for services to the Samoan community. Waka exponent Joe Conrad ONZM was honoured for his services to Māori, and Bill Kermode MNZM was recognised for services to governance and philanthropy, including his role as CEO of the NEXT Foundation, where he led environmental and educational projects and targeted educational inequality in schools.
This morning's honours recipients included Dame Ranjna Patel DNZM, who was acknowledged for her work in promoting health and community wellbeing. Dame Ranjna founded Gandhi Nivas, an intervention service focussed on reducing family harm. Hon Steven Joyce CNZM, a former senior Government Minister, was recognised for his service as a Member of Parliament, and Catherine Bell MNZM was acknowledged for her contribution to the Garden to Table Trust, which educates school children on growing, harvesting, and cooking vegetables.
At this afternoon's investiture ceremony, New Zealand Bravery Medals were received by Meli Balenivalu, who went to the aid of his colleagues and customers during a stabbing incident, and also by Constable Cameron Whittaker, who put his own life at risk to save several people's lives during the 2023 Auckland floods. Gary Graham received the honours insignia for his late father, the pioneering contemporary Maori artist Fred Graham CNZM, whose work featured at the most recent Venice Biennale. Imogen Lilley received the insignia for her late grandfather, Jim Lilley, MNZM, a conservationist who during his life took part in responses to the stranding of over 10,000 whales.
This afternoon, the first of this week’s investiture ceremonies was held at Government House Auckland. Seven honours recipients were acknowledged for their impressive achievements and outstanding contributions to the wellbeing of our communities. Recipients included gynaecologist Dr Ai Ling Tan CNZM, comedian Dai Henwood ONZM, Opotoki iwi leader Robert Edwards MNZM and educationalist Dr Nina Hood MNZM.
At Saturaday morning’s ceremony, former President of the Court of Appeal, The Honourable Sir Mark Cooper KNZM was knighted for his services to the judiciary. The Honourable Ruth Richardson CNZM, Minister of Finance in the fourth National Government, was recognised for her services as a Member of Parliament and to Governance. Dr Christopher Longhurst and Mr Tyrone Marks both received KSO insignia for their services to survivors of abuse in care, and former All Black Murray Mexted ONZM was acknowledged for his services to rugby.
Other recipients were recognised for their contributions across broadcasting, choral music, ethnic communities, Pacific and LGBTQ+ communities, and the arts.
In the final investiture ceremony for this Wellington round, Ms Cath Andersen CNZM was recognised for services to the music industry, having served as Chief Executive of the New Zealand Music Commission since 2000, where she has worked to safeguard the livelihoods of music professionals through a period of radical transformation across the industry. Twelve other outstanding New Zealanders were honoured for their contributions across health, tourism, drug abuse prevention, Pasifika communities, outdoor recreation, seniors, Māori culture, and education.
Very warmest congratulations to all recipients over this past week of ceremonies, each embodying in their own way the whakataukī: ‘Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe me he maunga teitei. Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.’
At this morning's investiture ceremony, Dame Catriona Williams was recognised for her advocacy for people with spinal cord injury and her services to equestrian sport. Rear Admiral Jim Gilmour (Rtd), ONZM was acknowledged for his leadership roles in military responses to the Christchurch Mosque shooting, the Whakaari eruption, COVID-19, the fall of Afghanistan, the war in Ukraine, Cyclone Gabrielle, counter-piracy operations, and the Kaikoura earthquake relief efforts. The New Zealand Bravery Decoration was awarded to Mr Andy Watson, for his efforts to rescue a woman trapped in a burning car. The New Zealand Bravery Medal was awarded to Sergeant Sophie Allison, who restrained a man who was in the act of stabbing people in a Dunedin supermarket. Recipients were also recognised for their services to music, dentistry, primary industries, aviation engineering, war commemoration and historical preservation, education, the Pacific community, and historical research.
This afternoon Dr David McKee CNZM was recognised for his services to New Zealand Sign Language and the Deaf community, which includes his work to establish the first NZSL interpreter training course at AUT, and his role as the first Deaf Lecturer and Researcher at a New Zealand university. Honours recipients included pioneer forensic psychiatrist Associate Professor Phil Brinded ONZM; food writer David Burton ONZM; former National President of Rural Women New Zealand, Mrs Gill Naylor ONZM; philanthropist and founder of the Tumu Group, John O'Sullivan ONZM; and former Resident Superintendent of Mt John Observatory, Alan Gilmore MNZM and his wife Ms Pamela Kilmarton MNZM, who together have discovered 41 asteroids and a comet. Other recipients were acknowledged for their services to cycling, the environment, the community, agriculture, and Pacific peoples.
Emeritus Distinguished Professor Dame Alison Stewart received her Damehood this morning at Government House Wellington in recognition of her outstanding 40-year career as a plant scientist, focusing in particular on sustainable plant protection, soil biology, and plant biotechnology. Master fly-tier Peter Carty was also recognised for his services to the sport of fly-fishing, as well as Dr Celia Devenish, for her long and distinguished career in women's health, as a physician, lecturer, and researcher. Very warmest congratulations to all of this morning's recipients.
The bravery of five recipients of Royal Humane Society medals was acknowledged by the Governor-General at a presentation at Government House Wellington this afternoon.
Two previous recipients of Royal Humane Society Silver Medals, Tim and Matt Dodge, received the Stanhope Medal, which is awarded to nominees from Royal Humane Societies around the world, and is not necessarily awarded every year. Tim and Matt Dodge received their medals for their bravery in rescuing 17 people stranded by flooding in the Hawkes Bay in 2023.
The bravery of Senior Constable Andrew Chantrey, Constable Ryan Gordon, and William Bowden was acknowledged with the presentation of Silver Medals. Senior Constable Chantrey and Constable Gordon received their medals for rescuing a young woman from drowning in Napier in June 2023, and William Bowden for his efforts in the rescue of two students in the Poor Knights Islands in December 2020.
Congratulations to the thirteen outstanding New Zealanders who received their Honours insignia at this morning's investiture ceremony at Government House. They included founder of Air Rarotonga Sir Ewan Smith, KNZM, who was knighted for his services to Cook Islands business and tourism, former MP Ian McKelvie, MNZM, and Olympic gold-medalist cyclist Ellesse Andrews. Other recipients were honoured for their services to emergency services, search and rescue, the agricultural industry and governance, fire-safety technologies, mental health, the community, and textiles history and conservation.
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.
