On Wednesday morning, to begin Her Excellency’s time in Nelson, Dame Cindy was welcomed onto Whakatū Marae with a beautiful pōwhiri. The pōwhiri marked the beginning of a three-day visit to Nelson and Tasman where Dame Cindy will be meeting with local community groups, innovative businesses, schools and cultural institutions.
In her speech, Dame Cindy remarked: ‘one of the greatest privileges of my role is meeting those many New Zealanders around the country giving their time, energy, and talents in the service of others. Across these encounters, I am continually reminded of the strength and care that underpins our communities – values I so clearly feel here, at Whakatū Marae.’
To read Dame Cindy's full speech from the pōwhiri, visit Pōwhiri at Whakatū Marae.
Following their official welcome at Whakatū Marae, Their Excellencies visited the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, where they listened in to a special rehearsal by the orchestra, and joined in song with the NelSONG Wellness Singers for a rendition of Pōkarekare Ana.
The visit was a reminder of the joy of nurturing creativity, and the importance of access to the arts for all members of our communities, including older New Zealanders. Warmest thanks to all those who shared their time and talents today.
Continuing Her Excellency’s first day in Nelson, Dame Cindy visited Multicultural Nelson Tasman, a local organisation providing support for migrants and former refugees through educational programmes, cultural events and workshops.
Dame Cindy enjoyed a dance performance from members of Multicultural Youth Nelson Tasman before meeting with those who have chosen to make their home here in the Nelson region. As Dame Cindy remarked, New Zealand is all the more rich in culture, diversity and kindness for your being here.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies have been longstanding supporters of the Garden to Table schools programme, with Dame Cindy serving as patron of the Trust. Their Excellencies were delighted to visit Birchwood School and participate in their Garden to Table programme, helping tamariki with planting seeds, preparing fresh vegetables and cooking delicious fritters. Garden to Table helps tamariki recognise the benefits of preparing and eating healthy kai and gives them the skills to grow and nurture gardens.
To begin their second day in Nelson, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the beautiful Brook Waimārama Sanctuary – the South Island's largest fully-fenced eco-sanctuary. During Their Excellencies' walk into the Brook Valley, they learned about the sanctuary's vital biodiversity and conservation efforts, and introduced themselves some of the kākā soon to be released.
Her Excellency took the opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of volunteers, and the generosity of the community in protecting native species and preserving the region's natural heritage for future generations.
Continuing their second day in Nelson, Their Excellencies visited the Nelson Women’s Centre, a community hub offering practical support for women. The Centre provides counselling, access to social workers, workshops, group events and is a safe place for women to drop in for a chat or kai.
Dame Cindy enjoyed a tour of the facilities and met some of the wonderful women who support the Centre before contributing to a shared piece of art being worked on by those in the Art Circle workshop.
Following their time at the Nelson Women's Centre, Their Excellencies visited the Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū, where they were given a tour by renowned photographer Craig Potton and Gallery Director Toni MacKinnon.
One of New Zealand’s oldest galleries, the Suter holds a very special place in our nation’s cultural landscape – a space that recognises and celebrates the vital role of the arts in shaping and understanding identities, sparking joy, and connecting people through shared stories and experiences.
In a very special ceremony that reflected the centrality of the blue economy to the Nelson region, Her Excellency was honoured to officially open The Blue House – a new hub designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Dame Cindy was joined by Nelson Mayor Hon Dr Nick Smith, Tasman Mayor Tim King, Westpac CEO Catherine McGrath, and key members of the Nelson marine economy.
The Blue House will bring together a range of businesses working to harness the growing economic, environmental and scientific potential of the ocean industry.
To read Dame Cindy's full speech from the opening, visit Opening of the Blue House.
To conclude Her Excellency's second day in Nelson, Dame Cindy hosted a reception for emergency services personnel, first responders and other community supporters who have been on the frontline of recent severe weather events in the region. The event was a chance to thank those who have been integral to supporting their community through what have been difficult times.
The attendees were just a small portion of those who have contributed their time, skills and resources over the past few years when the region has needed it most.
As Dame Cindy noted in her speech: ‘I am aware there have also been many ordinary heroes whose bravery and selflessness in the most difficult of situations remains largely unacknowledged – but is no less appreciated. Their acts, and your acts, point to a profound love for this community and its people.’
To begin their final day in Nelson, Their Excellencies had the joy of visiting Pic's Peanut Butter, where they met legendary founder, Pic Picot. Pic shared his remarkable story, telling of how he began grinding peanuts in his garage, and grew the business into the internationally-recognised brand it is today.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies also witnessed the fascinating process of transforming peanuts into the final product, and learned about the significant positive impact Pic’s is having on the local community.
To conclude their visit to Nelson Tasman, Their Excellencies visited Wakefield School – the oldest school in the region. Their Excellencies were treated to a rousing mihi whakatau, accompanied by a beautiful kapa haka performance from the students. Dame Cindy enjoyed hearing about the history of the school and their vision for the future as told by the students.
Our deepest thanks to all throughout the Nelson region who have so warmly and generously opened their doors and shared their stories with Dame Cindy throughout the week.
To find more images from Their Excellencies' time in Nelson, visit Regional visit to Nelson.