Dame Cindy and Dr Davies travelled to Australia last week to meet with the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC.
This is Dame Cindy’s first official visit to Australia as Governor-General and the first in-person meeting between the two Governors-General, reinforcing the enduring ties of friendship enjoyed between Australia and New Zealand.
Their Excellencies began their time in Canberra with a very special Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony in Canberra. Following the ceremony, Their Excellencies met with staff from the New Zealand High Commission in Australia before enjoying a tour of the Government House grounds to see the resident kangaroos.
The following day, Her Excellency was formally welcomed to Government House and attended a State Lunch. Here, Dame Cindy reflected on the deep bond shared between our two countries, forged and maintained through the closeness of our histories, values and people.
Dame Cindy quoted from the well-known whakataukī in her speech, saying: ‘‘He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.’ And here we find the essence and foundation of our relationship – not in treaties or institutions, important though they are, but in the friendships, marriages, families, communities, colleagues, and neighbours whose lives are woven and strengthened across the Tasman every day.’
You can read the full speech here: State Lunch with the Governor-General of Australia.
During their time in Canberra, Their Excellencies laid a wreath in the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial and placed a poppy at the Roll of Honour in memory of all Australians and New Zealanders who have served together.
They also visited the Ngura Pulka – Epic Country exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia, a stunning showcase of First Nations art, and met with staff and toured the Australian National University John Curtin School of Medical Research.
To conclude an enriching visit to Canberra, Their Excellencies then enjoyed a cultural walking tour of Mulligans Flat Sanctuary with Ngunnawal Elder Richie Allan, gaining a deep understanding of the importance of the connection to Country.
The following day, Their Excellencies travelled to Sydney to meet with Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC at Government House Sydney, before visiting Mudgin-Gal Women’s Place.
Dame Cindy and Dr Davies deeply appreciated the warm hospitality and friendship extended to them during their visit; a staunch illustration of the lasting relationship between Australia and New Zealand.
You can view more photos from the visit here: Official visit to Australia.