The visit will begin tomorrow (21 February) with a formal welcome to the region by Ngāi Tahu at Rehua Marae.
On February 22, the Governor-General will deliver a message, on behalf of the Prince of Wales, and give an address at the Christchurch Civic Memorial Service in North Hagley Park.
The Governor-General will then attend the Christchurch Earthquake Awards where Sir Jerry Mateparae will present the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand Gold Medal to Christchurch Mayor, Bob Parker, on behalf of all of those who risked their lives to rescue others on 22 February 2011.
For more information contact Rebekah Clement, Government House Public Affairs Adviser on 021 243 7958
Full programme:
Tuesday 21 February
11:00 The Governor-General and Lady Janine are welcomed to the region by Ngāi Tahu, at Rehua Marae, 79 Springfield Road, Richmond. To attend, contact Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Assistant Communications Advisor, Kahu Te Whaiti, on 021 443 895. Please note: Photographers and camera operators are welcome, photography and filming is permitted inside the wharenui, but please respect marae tikanga. Cameras can be used during the pōwhiri, which will be held outside.
13:10 The Governor-General and Lady Janine visit the Cashel Street Mall
18:00 The Governor-General and Lady Janine attend the dedication and unveiling of a memorial for the unidentified and unfound victims of the earthquake, Avonhead Park Cemetery. To attend, contact Tony Wallace, Manager of External Communications, Department of Internal Affairs, on 027 440 2667.
Wednesday 22 February
08:00 The Governor-General and Lady Janine attend a Mihi Whakatau, Latimer Square, Christchurch
09:45 The Governor-General and Lady Janine visit Christchurch Hospital to meet and talk with staff
12:00 The Governor-General and Lady Janine attend the Christchurch Civic Memorial Service to mark the first anniversary of the 22 February Earthquake. Sir Jerry Mateparae will deliver a message from the Prince of Wales and give an address.
14:00 The Governor-General and Lady Janine attend the Christchurch Earthquake Awards where Sir Jerry Mateparae will present the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand Gold Medal to Christchurch Mayor, Bob Parker, on behalf of all of those who risked their lives to rescue others on 22 February 2011.
16:30 The Governor-General and Lady Janine attend a community barbeque for emergency service personnel and their families – Private Event (No media).
Thursday 23 February
10:00 The Governor-General and Lady Janine attend and Sir Jerry Mateparae officially opens the new Preparatory School at St Andrews College, Papanui. For more information contact Christine Leighton, Rector, on (03) 940 2002.
12:10 The Governor-General and Lady Janine are officially welcomed to Burnham Military Camp with a pōwhiri. To attend, contact Zen Gregor. Defence Communications Advisor (Southern), NZDF, on 021 224 3367.
For more information contact Rebekah Clement, Government House Public Affairs Adviser on 021 243 7958
ENDS