Eight recipients received their insignia at Government House Auckland this morning, including Margareth Broodkoorn, from Haruru. Margareth has spent over 30 years in nursing in New Zealand, working with Māori heath providers and mentoring nurses across Aotearoa. She was also the first wāhine Māori appointed Chief Nursing Officer with the Ministry of Health.
Emma Twigg was also recognised for her outstanding 20-year rowing career. Among her many achievements, she has competed in four Olympic games, won a World Championship, been named World Female Rower of the Year, and last year won Gold the Tokyo Olympics.
You can find more images from this morning's ceremony here.
Investiture ceremonies continued this afternoon at Government House Auckland, with seven further recipients acknowledged for their outstanding service and contributions across New Zealand communities. Ms Julie Read received her insignia as a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order, for services to the state as the first woman appointed Director and Chief Executive of the Serious Fraud Office.
Mr Matahi Brightwell received his insignia as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Waka Ama, having founded New Zealand’s first Waka Ama Club, the Mareikura Canoe Club, and serving as first president to the national body. Sincere congratulations to all of this afternoon’s recipients.
You can find more images from this afternoon's ceremony here.
Eight further recipients received their insignia this afternoon, including Dr Hilary Blacklock, who received an ONZM for services to haematology. Dr Blacklock helped to establish the New Zealand Bone Marrow Donor Registry in 1996 and has also served as Medical Director. Through this registry, around 13,000 volunteer stem cell donors have become part of a world-wide network of other donors, who have helped 146 life-saving transplants occur in Aotearoa.
Also among those recognised this afternoon was Dr Graeme Woodfield, for services to transfusion medicine; Marjet Pot, for her contributions to women’s health in New Zealand; and Dr Mai Tamimi for her work supporting Middle Eastern and refugee communities. Congratulations to all of today’s recipients.
You can find more images from this afternoon's ceremony here.
At this morning’s investiture ceremony, one of New Zealand’s greatest-ever rugby league players received a CNZM for services to the sport. Over 18 years, Benji Marshall played 346 NRL games – the most of any New Zealand player. He was also part of the Kiwis team who won the Rugby League World Cup in 2008, which remains the only time our national team has won the trophy.
Also among those recognised was Ladi6, receiving an MNZM acknowledging her 20-year career in music. During this time, she has released three albums and has won multiple awards including the prestigious Taite Music Prize, which is awarded to the best New Zealand album of the year.
You can find more images from this morning's ceremony here.
Today at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy presented insignia to fourteen Honours recipients, including Sir Collin Tukuitonga, KNZM, who was recognised for his distinguished career in public health and the public service, and Dr Miriam Saphira, long-time advocate for the LBBTQIA+ community. Further information about all the recipients can be found in the image galleries.
Today at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy conferred insignia on fourteen Honour recipients who were recognised for their service, achievements and contributions to their communities. They included internationally renowned New Zealand artist Lisa Reihana, CNZM; Olympic Gold Medal rowers, Grace Prendergast, MNZM and Kerry Williams, MNZM; and Mr Ted Manson, who received a CNZM for his services to philanthropy, urban development and business.
On Wednesday afternoon, Dame Cindy held a very special ceremony at Government House Wellington confirming Rt Hon Adrian Rurawhe as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Rt Hon Adrian Rurawhe had been Deputy Speaker since 2020, and is now the second Speaker of Māori decent – the first being Sir Peter Tapsell who was elected in 1993. This ceremony was particularly significant, being the first time that the Speaker has been confirmed in both English and te reo.
The rain might have been pouring down, but the welcome was warm when Dame Cindy visited the amazing team at Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae, who have been providing a solution to food insecurity and sustaining the community of South Auckland for almost 40 years.
The urban Marae was established by Māori Women’s Welfare League member Mere Knight on a hectare of council land in Māngere. Today, the Marae also delivers educational programmes to foster te reo and to strengthen cultural capacity. To do this, they have partnered with Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi, and plan to increase the number of programmes they can provide.
The marae combines traditional Māori values, tikanga and te reo in the creation and maintenance of their extensive organic gardens. The food they produce directly benefits their community, and encourages healthy eating.
The marae runs a food bank, utilising the produce they grow on site. The covid 19 pandemic saw a huge spike in demand for this service, as tens of thousands of people were suddenly unable to work. Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae extended manaakitanga to families affected by the pandemic through thousands of food parcels, and by working with top Auckland restaurants to distribute food throughout the city. Currently, they give out up to 100 food boxes a week, also delivering to people in isolation.
While there, Dame Cindy got to sample the famous Papatūānuku burgers and to see the Kai Ika program in action – a kaupapa that redistributes fish heads donated by local fisheries to people in need, giving around 500kgs away every second day. This kaupapa lives by the whakatauki “he kai te rongoa, he rongoa te kai” (food is medicine, medicine is food). To learn more about Kai Ika and how you can help, head to their website.
As Patron of Whānau Āwhina Plunket, Dame Cindy joined members of their organisation to farewell outgoing Chief Executive, Amanda Malu, who held the role for six years. Among Amanda's achievements during her time with the infant/tamariki health service was her work leading Whānau Āwhina Plunket’s transformation to become a more pro-equity organisation. She was also involved in reclaiming the story of two wāhine toa, Mere Harper and Ria Tikini (Kāi Tahu and Kāti Huirapa), who were instrumental in the foundation of Whānau Āwhina Plunket over 100 years ago.
In her speech, Dame Cindy also acknowledged organisation's namesake, Lady Victoria Plunket, and the role she played in the early days of Plunket's beginnings. You can read the speech here.
This morning at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a morning tea in celebration of New Zealand Riding for the Disabled’s 60th anniversary.
NZRDA aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people who are experiencing disability, or who have specific challenges or needs, through interaction with horses. NZRDA caters to around 3,000 riders annually – eighty per cent being children or teenagers.
You can read Dame Cindy's speech from the event here, and find more images here.
Today the rain held off long enought for Government House to offer our full outdoor credential ceremonies, including powhiri and an inspection of a Guard of Honour. Dame Cindy received the credentials of six new diplomatic envoys to New Zealand. This morning, Dame Cindy hosted HE Mr Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, High Commissioner for the Republic of Fiji; HE Mr Feue Tipu, High Commissioner for Tuvalu; and HE Ms Iona Thomas, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This afternoon it was the turn of HE Mr Adrianus Marinus Maria van der Vorst, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; HE Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ambassador of Ukraine; and HE Mr Werner Matias Romero Guerra, Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador.
This morning at the Beehive, Dame Cindy officially opened Youth Parliament 2022. Held every three years, Youth Parliament provides a unique opportunity for a diverse group of young New Zealanders to learn first-hand about New Zealand's democratic processes, influence government decision-making, and have their voices heard. Selected rangatahi represent their community, as either a Youth Member of Parliament, member of the Youth Press Gallery, or, this year, as the very first Youth Clerk of the House of Representatives.
You can read Dame Cindy's speech here, and find more images from the event here.
Thursday afternoon saw the final investiture ceremony held in Christchurch, with Dame Cindy presenting insignia to seven further Honours recipients. Among them was Christine Lake, honoured for over 20 years with New Zealand’s largest health and wellbeing support service for young children – the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society. During her time with Plunket, Ms Lake helped to guide the organisation through significant change, including the recent re-brand to Whānau Āwhina Plunket. Also recognised was former cricket international Janice Steed, and Diana Reid, who helped to establish the Malvern Cancer Support Group in Darfield in 1983. Congratulations to all of this afternoon’s recipients.
Christchurch investiture ceremonies continued this morning at the Town Hall, with seven further recipients honoured for their outstanding work across New Zealand. Professor John Simpson received his insignia for services to art education – serving as the head of the University of Canterbury’s School of Fine Arts for more than 30 years, and driving a modernisation of the school's courses and teaching. Ms Laura Thompson also received her insignia as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her work as a sighted pilot for Para-cyclists – a competing career that included 10 world championship and five Paralympic medals.
Dame Cindy presented insignia to six Honours recipients this afternoon at the Christchurch Town Hall. Dr Michael Dunbier was acknowledged for services to agricultural science, including as Director of DSIR Crop Research, and foundation CEO of the New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research Ltd. Francis and Shireen Helps were also acknowledged for services to wildlife conservation, particularly in their support of kororā (little penguins) and hoiho (yellow eyed penguins). Sincere congratulations to all of this afternoon's recipients.
This afternoon at the Christchurch Town Hall, Dame Cindy hosted the New Zealand Bravery Awards, acknowledging those who exhibited such extraordinary courage at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre on 15th March 2019. The family of the late Dr Naeem Rashid, who lost his life that day, accepted the insignia of the New Zealand Cross on his behalf. Each of today's Bravery Award recipients helped to save the lives of others, and they have earned the deepest respect and admiration of all New Zealanders.
Dame Cindy welcomed a further five new Ambassadors to New Zealand today: HE Ms Biljana Stefanovska-Sekovska, Ambassador of The Republic of North Macedonia; HE Mr Sinchai Manivanh, or of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; HE Mr Davaasuren Damdinsuren, Ambassador of Mongolia; HE Mr Oscar Atehortua Duque, Ambassador of The Republic of Colombia; and HE Mr Rade Stefanovic, Ambassador of The Republic of Serbia. Members of the Royal New Zealand Navy once again provided the pōwhiri and Guard of Honour for the ceremony outside.
Today, four new diplomatic representatives presented their credentials at Government House Wellington. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed HE Mr Daniel Rosa, Ambassador to the Republic of Angola; HE Mr Robert Pimentel, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic; HE Mrs Wassane Zailachi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco; and HE Ms Marie Monty, High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius. Representatives from the Royal New Zealand Navy provided the stunning pōwhiri and Guard of Honour.
This evening at the National Library, Dame Cindy delivered the annual Founder Lecture, hosted by the Friends of the Turnbull Library. Her Excellency's lecture was entitled, 'Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua: Approaching our past with curiosity and courage', and focussed on New Zealand's relationship with its past, and the important role of the Turnbull Library in that relationship. In delivering the Founder Lecture, Dame Cindy joins an esteemed list of New Zealand academics, leaders, and artists, including Dame Anne Salmond, CK Stead, and Dr Ranginui Walker.
'The Turnbull Library helps New Zealanders to do that precious and ineffable and most human of things: it helps us to remember.'
Ko tōku reo tōku ohooho, ko tōku reo tōku māpihi maurea My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul
2022 marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade of Indigenous Languages, which recognises the right to revitalise and promote languages, and linguistic diversity around the world.
Many indigenous languages are in a critical state. This initiative aims to help the global community work together to preserve these languages for generations to come.
In these messages, Dame Cindy Kiro (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu) and her Canadian counterpart Mary Simon (Inuk), speak about importance of te reo Māori and Inuit languages, and the efforts to revitalise them in Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada. Governor-General Mary Simon's message will be released in the coming weeks.
For more information about the New Zealand National Commission and their work on indigenous language and knowledge, click here.
Last night at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the Diplomatic Corps for a very special Matariki Dinner, to mark the first time that New Zealand has observed Matariki as a public holiday. The mid-winter reappearance of the Matariki star cluster signals the start of the Māori New Year, and with it, a period of remembrance, reflection, and celebration.
‘I encourage you all to look up into the early morning sky, as our ancestors did, and to see those stars with that same sense of wonder and faith.’
Mānawatia a Matariki!
You can see more images from the event here, and read Dame Cindy's speech here.
He Wahine Maori Ahau is an inspirational speaker series focussing on the experience of Wahine Maori in the Public Service. The topic of yesterday's forum at the National Library was 'The Impact of the past on women today'. Dame Cindy was welcomed with a powhiri before being joined on the podium by senior public servants Heather Baggott, Deputy Public Service Commissioner; and Melanie Mark-Shadbolt, Deputy Secretary Tūmatakōkiri at the Ministry for the Environment. A common theme in all their korero was the enduring influence of significant women in their formative years, and their ongoing responsibility to support the growth of future leaders. Dame Cindy also took the opportunity to visit He Tohu, where she was delighted to discern the signatures of her tipuna on the parchment Tiriti o Waitangi, signed on 6 February 1840 in Waitangi.
Today marks Suzanne Aubert's 187th birthday. Mother Aubert devoted her life to looking after those in need, and founded the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion. Last night, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the Compassion Soup Kitchen in Wellington, to help with the dinner service for Mother Aubert's birthday. The Compassion Soup Kitchen continues Mother Aubert's remarkable legacy by supporting people in need in our community, including those struggling with mental health issues, addiction, homelessness, and poverty.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the Japan Festival in Wellington yesterday – a very special event that also marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and New Zealand. This biennial celebration of Japanese culture featured musical performances, two giant kimono, and a range of Japanese cuisine.
Thousands of Wellingtonians turned out for the event, also attended by His Excellency Mr Koichi Ito, Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand, His Worship Andy Foster, Mayor of Wellington, and of course, the Zespri Kiwi Brothers. Congratulations to the Japan Festival Wellington Trust, Wellington City Council, and Japanese Embassy on a hugely successful festival.
You can see more images from the event here, and read Dame Cindy's speech here.
Last night's concert by NZTrio marked the 20th year since it was formed. The current line-up of Ashley Brown, Amalia Hall and Somi Kim gave an exquisite performance of classic and contemporary music.
This afternoon at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy authorised the appointment of Hon Kieran McAnulty to the Executive Council, as well as the appointment of Ministers to their new portfolios, on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Minister McAnulty was joined by his family for the very special ceremony, which was also attended by Hon Kelvin Davis and Hon Kiri Allan.
There’s an old saying that goes “if you want something done, ask a busy person”. This afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted a group that truly embodies that phrase - the Auckland Justices of the Peace Association. This year marks the Centenary of the AJAP, who have been voluntarily assisting the people of Tāmaki Makaurau since October 1922. The role of a Justice of the Peace can be Ministerial or Judicial, with duties ranging from certifying documents to issuing search warrants. The AJAP currently has 1200 sworn JPs and are able to help in over 30 languages.
To (belatedly) celebrate Gunners Day, Dame Cindy hosted a dinner for the Royal New Zealand Artillery Association at Government House Auckland. The RNZAA was formed in 1934 by World War I veterans, and continues as an advocacy group for New Zealand Gunners past and present.
During the dinner, Dame Cindy presented Lt Col (Rtd.) Tony McLeod with a pounamu, thanking him for his 11 years served as President of the RNZAA. Lt Col McLeod is no stranger to Government House, having served as aide-de-Camp to former Governor-General Sir Keith Holyoake back in the 70s.
This afternoon, Dame Cindy officially opened Vision Bus Aotearoa; University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau's initiative to help solve inequities and barriers of access in getting better eye health to those in need. The School of Optometry and Vision Science had been screening the vision of thousands of school children in the greater Auckland area, and found one in ten had a vision impairment that was not yet being treated. With the help of this new mobile optometry clinic, the School has the ability to provide a wider range of free eye-health services to more people.
To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies travelled to the United Kingdom to represent Aotearoa at the official celebrations. The trip began with a meeting with New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, HE Mr Bede Corry.
Next was Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. This event was attended by members of the Royal family, dignitaries and representatives from the Commonwealth. The Service was followed by a reception hosted by Lord Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
On the 4th of June, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the Platinum Jubilee Reception and Concert, featuring projections on the side of Buckingham palace and an impressive drone diplay lighting up the sky in many forms (including Corgis, naturally).
The following day, Their Excellencies watched as members of the New Zealand Defence Force marched in the Platinum Jubilee Pageant. The Pageant was a four-part story of The Queen’s 70-year reign.
While in the UK, Dame Cindy had the chance to meet with other Governors-General from around the Commonwealth. She held bilateral meetings with HE Gen the Hon David Hurley, Governor-General of Australia; HE Mary Simon, Governor-General of Canada; HE Dame Froyla Tzalam, Governor-General of Belize; and HE the Hon Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, Governor-General of Papua New Guinea.
To celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a Service of Celebration was held at the Cathedral of St Paul in Wellington this morning. The Administrator of the Government Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann attended in place of Dame Cindy, who is in London for the Jubilee celebrations.
The service featured reflections about Her Majesty from former deputy prime minister and secretary-general of the Commonwealth, Sir Don McKinnon, and Queen’s Young Leader award winner Ezekiel Raui.
Today was the final day of the Auckland investiture round. The eight recipients of honours this afternoon were acknowledged for their services to the State and the community, education and historical research, governance and education, philanthropy, public health nursing, disability and education, community and charity fundraising and performing arts governance.
Congratulations to Dame Marie Shroff and the other recipients.
