Tonight’s reception for the Himalayan Trust at Government House Auckland celebrated Everest Day – 29 May 2022 is the 69th anniversary of the historic conquest of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. It was just as much about Sir Ed's wonderful legacy - the Himalayan Trust. Peter Hillary reminded us how perfect our timing was, as his speech coincided with the moment when his father reached the summit. Ang Kaji Sherpa spoke about the education he received at one of the many schools built by Sir Ed, which then enabled him to pursue training as a mountain guide in the Himalayas. Sir Ed's Himialayan Trust has transformed communities with its ambitious programme of building schools and hospitals in the Solukhumbu Everest region.
On 15 March, His Excellency Dr Richard Davies was invested as an Officer of St John and took up the role of Patron for Community Health.
Last week, St John hosted Dr Davies to a comprehensive induction tour, including its Community Health programmes and services. Dr Davies visited Farm Cove Intermediate to see St John's Whatuia te Waiora Weaving Wellbeing programme in action, before going to St John retail stores and a Manukau Area Committee showcase. The Kelston Youth Division enabled Dr Davies to see youth members undertaking badge work and practical sessions and present a number of awards. Dr Davies also boarded a Health Shuttle and met the shuttle volunteers.
At St John Archives Dr Davies learnt about the history of St John and the variety of Community Care services that St John delivers to the community, and the impact of COVID-19 on those services. The Therapy Pet volunteers and their furry friends were a particular hit with Dr Davies. St John's Communications Centre provided an opportunity for him to see the sophistacated communication technology used in emergency response.
At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, eight honours recipients received their insignia. They included Maxine Shortland, who has contributed 40 years to Netball as a player, coach, manager and administrator. Her governance roles in Northland have included Chief Operating Officer at Ngati Hine Health Trust.
Heather Tanguay received a QSO for services to local government and the community. She was recognised for her time as Mayor and City Councillor in Palmerston North. Through her work with Palmerston North Red Cross, she helped settle hundreds of refugees into the area.
This morning's eight honours recipients included Sir Wayne Shelford KNZM, former All Black Captain and men's health advocate, and Rawiri Paratene, who received his CNZM for his services to Maori, film and theatre. Recipients were acknowledged for outstanding services to local government and the community, race relations and youth, to mental health, transitional housing, and as a General Practitioner.
Among the eight recipients at this afternoon’s investiture ceremony was Teremoana Rapley, where she was recognised for contributions to music and television. Teremoana is known for her solo music career, as part of Moana and the Moahunters, and collaborations with other artists like King Kapisi and Che Fu. Teremoana has also been a presenter on Mai Time, and was a producer at Māori Television for 10 years.
Also recognised was Harry Mikaere, who has contributed significantly to New Zealand’s aquaculture industry. Chef Rob Oliver received an MNZM for services to the food industry and Pacific Communities.
A New Zealand sporting trailblazer received a DNZM this morning at Government House. Dame Ruia Morrison was recognised for her outstanding tennis career, where she was the first Māori to compete at Wimbledon. She played in the 1957, 1958 1960 tournaments, and has since become a pivotal figure in Aotearoa tennis. Dame Ruia was also the New Zealand Open singles champion six times, famously beating Margaret Court in the 1960 final.
Hon Steve Chadwick was honoured for her career in both local and central government. As a Member of Parliament, she was Minister of Conservation, Women’s Affairs and Associate Minister of Health. She has been Mayor of Rotorua since 2013.
Former Auckland City Missioner, Sir Chris Farrelly, received his KNZM at Government House this morning. Sir Chris was recognised for his long career in Te Tai Tokerau’s health sector, and for his work leading the Auckland City Mission. As Missioner, he led the development of the City Mission’s new facility, HomeGround.
Also receiving honours was journalist Jim Tucker, who has contributed to the industry for over 50 years, and Margery Pita, who was an original member of the Māori Volcanics Showband.
Eight further recipients were welcomed to Government House for their investiture ceremony this afternoon, including Nigel Borell, recognised for services to Māori art. He was the creative mind behind Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art, and is currently curator Taonga Māori at the Auckland War Memorial.
Professor Emeritus Stuart Middleton received a CNZM for work services to education. He helped develop Manukau Institute of Technology’s Tertiary High School. This school helps students at risk of disengaging with education complete NCEA and University Entrance, and transition them to higher learning.
Dame Cindy presented insignia to six Honours recipients this morning at Government House Auckland. Mr Ross Black was acknowledged for his services to health, founding the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust and acting as its Chair from 1998 to 2019. Ms Jessica Buddendijk received her Honorary Queen's Service Medal for services to the aged care sector, in particular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sincere congratulations to all of this morning's recipients.
Auckland investiture ceremonies continued this afternoon, with eight further recipients honoured for their outstanding work across New Zealand. Mr John Rosser received his insignia for services to choral music, including as National Director and adjudicator of the annual Big Sing secondary schools’ choral festival. Mrs Louisa Humphry received the insignia of an Honorary member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Kiribati community and culture.
You can find further images from the ceremony here.
Professor Dame Marilyn Waring was one of those acknowledged in this morning's investiture ceremony at Government House Auckland. Dame Marilyn is Professor of Public Policy at the Auckland University of Technology, and has had an esteemed academic career across the fields of economics, women's issues, and international aid. Six other recipients were acknowledged for their outstanding service and achievements across education, police, and Pasifika communities.
Auckland investiture ceremonies began at Government House this afternoon, with eight outstanding individuals receiving insignia for their contributions across the fields of education, humanitarian advocacy, and conservation. Among recipients was Professor Dame Carolyn Burns, who received her damehood for her pioneering research on the ecology of lakes, and who served as the first female president of the International Limnological Society.
Last night at Government House Wellington, Dr Davies hosted the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for their 150th anniversary celebrations. Since 1872, the SPCA has been committed to helping New Zealand animals: through advocacy, education, rehabilitation, and of course, adoption.
St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, is attributed with the words: ‘We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.’ The SPCA truly embodies the spirit and compassion of St Francis, and we wish them every success.
You can find more images from the event here, and Dr Davies' full speech here.
Dame Cindy travelled to Abu Dhabi to attend an azza (official ceremonial ceremony) following the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Dame Cindy was New Zealand's official representative and paid respects on behalf of the people of New Zealand to the family of His Highness.
While Dame Cindy was in the United Arab Emirates, in her place Dr Davies was honoured to welcome recipients of the 2021 New Zealand Search and Rescue Awards. These awards recognise NZSAR personnel who have gone above and beyond to ensure people who find themselves in perilous situations made it back home. The New Zealand Search and Rescue sector is made up of around 12000 people across many different agencies, working together to rescue people in distress on land, at sea, or by air. NZSAR covers an area stretching all the way from Scott Base in Antarctica to as far north as Tokelau. Of the almost 3000 incidents NZSAR was involved in last year, 45% resulted in a search and rescue operation being launched.
This year, DOC, Trees that Count and Tapu o Tane will assist community groups, iwi and private landowners to plant 100,000 native trees at various locations across Aotearoa. These plantings are New Zealand’s legacy project to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne.
On 16 May at Government House, the Chief Justice, Dame Helen Winkelmann, Hon Kiritapu Allen and Joris de Bres of Project Crimson launched the project by planting a kauri in the grounds.
Dame Helen was acting as Administrator for the Government while Dame Cindy was in Abu Dhabi representing New Zealand at an azza (official condolence ceremony) for His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Surrounded by her whānau and closest supporters, Dame Cindy was officially welcomed onto the Waitangi Treaty Grounds as Governor-General. Among esteemed guests was Kiingi Tūheitia, as well as leaders and representatives from iwi across Te Tai Tokerau and Waikato. Following the pōwhiri, Dame Cindy completed the custom for all new Governors-General of planting a pōhutukawa on the Treaty Grounds.
Her Excellency closed her address to the congregation with the famous words of Sir James Henare: ‘Kua tawhiti kē tō haerenga mai, kia kore e haere tonu. He nui rawa ō mahi kia kore e mahi tonu' – 'We have come too far not to go further. We have done too much not to do more'.
You can find more images from the day here, and Dame Cindy's speech here.
It was a very special day for Dame Cindy and her whānau in Northland, as she was formally welcomed onto Mōtatau Marae in recognition of her appointment as Governor-General. During the welcome, Dame Cindy was presented with an exquisite korowai – Te Ata o te Whenua – made especially for Her Excellency as a token of deepest aroha, pride, and esteem from Te Tai Tokerau. The name translates as 'the Shadow over the Land'.
You can find more images from the day here, and read Dame Cindy's speech here.
This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy was pleased to acknowledge Dr Lindsay Mildenhall, ONZM, for his extensive work in the fields of neonatal intensive care and resuscitation training. Dr Chris Moyes, ONZM, was also acknowledged for his work on the treatment of hepatitis B (HBV), which led to the introduction of an HBV immunisation programme for children.
Other honours recipients received insignia for their contributions across governance, sport, community, theatre, and heritage. Dame Cindy will host the final ceremony in this round of Wellington investitures later today.
Eleven recipients were recognised for outstanding service in their communities in the final investiture ceremony of this round at Government House Wellington. Venkat Raman received an MNZM for his work on behalf of the New Zealand Indian community, which includes as founder of Gandhi Nivas and the Saint Mother Teresa Interfaith committee. Richard Benge also received an MNZM for his work with Arts Access Aotearoa, an organisation that increases participation in the arts for those who would otherwise experience barriers in doing so.
That concludes this round of Wellington investiture ceremonies. Our warmest congratulations to all recipients.
You can find more images from this afternoon's ceremony here.
Among the ten recipients at this afternoon’s investiture ceremony was Dr Arapera Royal Tangaere, receiving a CNZM for her work with Te Kōhanga Reo Trust since 1982. The first Kōhanga Reo opened in the Wellington region that year, and there are now around 460 of the Māori language immersion preschools across the country.
Teremoana Yala was recognised for her work in the Cook Islands community, including time as the Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand. Also honoured was renowned artist and Treaty negotiator Alex Nathan, and conservationist Bill Fleury. Congratulations to this afternoon’s recipients.
For this week’s final investiture ceremony, Dame Cindy welcomed eleven recipients to Government House. Rosemary McLeod was recognised for her career as a writer and cartoonist. She was one of the creators of iconic New Zealand drama Gloss, and has won several awards for her long-form journalism in North and South magazine.
Actress Tanea Heke received an MNZM for services to the arts and Māori. Ms Heke recently starred in the 2021 film Cousins, and is currently Director of Te Kura Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School. Marilyn Moffatt also received an MNZM for her years of work with Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
The eleven honours recipients at this morning's investiture ceremony were thanked for their achievements and services to Pacific health and education; agricultural science and business; tertiary education; Fire and Emergency New Zealand; dairy and agriculture; education; Maori education; social work; and the community.
This afternoon Honours recipients were acknowledged for their services to paediatric and neonatal care; disabilities and the arts; the New Zealand Police; the community; women's health; musical theatre; traffic safety; floristry; and the Melanesian community.
This morning's Honours recipients included three NZDF personnel who played pivotal roles in New Zealand's response to COVID-19: Air Commodore Darryn Webb, MNZM for services to the New Zealand Defence Force; Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Blythen, DSD for services to the NZDF; and Wing Commander Richard Deihl, DSD for services to the NZDF.
Congratulations to all eleven recipients at this morning's investiture ceremony.
Nine recipients were honoured today at Government House, including Sir Robert ‘Bom’ Gillies; the last surviving member of the Māori Battalion. Sir Robert served in B company during World War 2, and has been active in representing the Battalion at official commemorations ever since.
Dr Jonathan Godfrey received an ONZM for services to disabled people, particularly blind and low vision people. He is President of the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand and Senior Lecturer in Statistics at Massey University, mentoring blind students internationally in this subject area.
Former Director-General of the Department of Conservation, Lou Sanson, received his QSO this afternoon at Government House. One of his many achievements in his eight years at DOC was overseeing the Predator Free New Zealand Strategy. Also among this afternoon’s recipients was David Brunsdon, being honoured for services to engineering and emergency management. He was New Zealand Urban Search and Rescue's lead engineer following the Christchurch earthquakes. Other recipients were honoured for their contributions across the fields of agriculture, sport, healthcare, and music.
Eleven recipients were welcomed to Government House for their investiture this morning including former National President of New Zealand Red Cross, Dr Jenny McMahon. Dr McMahon was honoured for her work with the aid organisation, who she first became involved with in 1983.
Receiving today’s top honour was Professor Sir Jim Mann, who has pioneered research into non-communicable disease prevention and management for over 30 years. He was the inaugural director of Otago University’s Edgar National Centre for Diabetes and Obesity Research, which opened in 2004.
Today, Dame Cindy presented Honours recipients with insignia recognising outstanding achievements and service. Eminent author Emeritus Professor Sir Vincent O'Sullivan received the accolade when he was re-designated from a DCNZM to a KNZM. Recipients were also recognised for their services to science, health, victims of family and sexual violence, the legal profession, conservation, Māori, inclusive education, the community and philanthropy.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies started their Anzac Day by attending the Dawn Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. The service included performances by the New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir, and readings by Air Marshal Kevin Short, Chief of Defence Force, and BJ Clark, President of the RNZRSA. Following the service, Their Excellencies went for coffee and Anzac biscuits at Mt Cook School, where they were pleased to meet a number of veterans who were in attendance, as well as Willie Apiata VC.
Following the Dawn Service earlier this morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the Anzac Day National Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. The Service began with a flypast from three T6-C Texan aircraft, and featured performances from the New Zealand Youth Choir.
You can find more images from the Dawn and National Commemoration Services, and Dame Cindy's Anzac Day addresses via the following links:
When Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei welcomed Dame Cindy and Dr Davies to Ōrākei Marae earlier this year, they presented Their Excellencies with a tukutuku panel that represents the maunga of Tāmaki Makaurau. Today, 'Rūaumoko' was unveiled in place in the Pavilion at Government House Auckland. The taonga takes its name from the Māori God of earthquakes and volcanoes.
Government House Auckland is situated at the base of Maungawhau/Mount Eden, which is one of the many dormant volcanoes that make up the landscape of Auckland.
In honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed some familiar faces back to Government House for a dinner on the 9th of April. Former Governors-General Dame Patsy Reddy, Sir Jerry Mateparae and Sir Anand Satyanand, along with Sir David Gascoigne, Lady Janine Mateparae and Lady Susan Satyanand, returned to Te Whare Kāwana o Te Whanganui-a-Tara for the occasion.
When Queen Elizabeth II became New Zealand’s monarch in 1952, Lt Gen the Lord Freyberg was Governor-General. So far, during Her Majesty’s reign Aotearoa New Zealand has had 16 Governors-General.
