Information for recipients

Investiture Photography

The official photographers for investiture ceremonies are Doug Mountain in Wellington and Melissa Palmer of White Door Event Photography in Auckland. Photographs of recipients are taken as they receive their insignia from the Governor-General, and there is also a group photograph with Her Excellency after the ceremony.

The full suite of photos of each recipient will be available to view and download online within 48 hours of the ceremony. These are the versions most suitable for printing and can be downloaded free of charge. The web address for these galleries is www.dougmountainphotography.pixieset.com or www.whitedoorphoto.co.nz/investiture

Government House posts photos of recipients on the Governor-General's Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter. Feel free to share these posts.

We also post image galleries of each ceremony on this website.

Investiture filming

All ceremonies are filmed and the video will be available on our website within approximately 24 hours. Personalised recordings of recipients’ investitures are also available for purchase. An information sheet has been included with recipients invitations. If you did not receive this contact Execam for more information investitures@execam.co.nz

Investiture video Youtube channel

The ceremony

The investiture ceremony takes around 30-40 minutes. Recipients and guests will be seated separately. After the ceremony, refreshments will be served.

Dress code

Formal daywear. Uniforms (e.g. Police, Fire Service, Scouts, Guides, St John), and formal cultural dress may also be worn.

During the ceremony, each recipient receives an insignia (medal), which is attached by means of a special clip. These are heavy and recipients are asked to wear a garment capable of supporting the insignia. Very thin garments, like silk blouses or lightweight jackets, won’t hold the insignia and may be damaged.

Medals

Recipients, including military personnel, should not wear other decorations, medals or lapel badges. Those wearing a non-military uniform may wear the ribbons of other honours, including the ribbon of the honour about to be presented.

Guests may wear medals and other decorations.

Further information

The Main Gate of Government House is on Rugby Street, opposite the southeast corner of the Basin Reserve and beside Wellington College. 

Taxis are permitted to enter the grounds and drop guests at the Ballroom Entrance. Taxis can be ordered at the conclusion of the event. Drop-off for ride-share vehicles is outside the grounds. 

If you are planning on being dropped off at the Main Gate, be aware that the driveway is a one kilometre uphill walk, taking around 10 minutes

Please bring your invitation card to present on arrival

Coat check will be available

Please contact Government House if you require mobility assistance or if you have food allergies/dietary requirements

Smoking is not permitted in the grounds or buildings of Government House

Please note invitations are non-transferable