Investiture ceremonies began in Wellington this week, with Dame Cindy presenting three New Zealand Bravery Medals in a very moving ceremony. These awards are presented to recipients deemed to have displayed exceptional bravery in moments of extreme danger to preserve the lives of others.
In her speech, Her Excellency reflected on these acts of courage, saying: ‘None of us can ever know for sure how we would respond in situations of such extreme danger. Our communities are blessed to have those who step forward and intervene in times of greatest need.’
To find more images from this morning's ceremony, please visit the image gallery for the Bravery Awards ceremony on 18 May 2026.