Last updated:
Monday, 24 September 2018
Investiture Photography
Photographs of recipients are taken as they receive their insignia from the Governor-General.
The official photographers for 2020 investiture ceremonies are Doug Mountain in Wellington and Melissa Palmer of White Door Event Photography in Auckland. There will also be photographers at the Christchurch ceremonies in August and October, and the Queenstown ceremony in August.
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 are:
www.dougmountainphotography.pixieset.com
www.whitedoorphoto.co.nz/investiture
Christchurch Joseph Johnson Photographer. Download password is nzinvestiture2020
Queenstown 222 Photographic Studios (You will need an email to login. The password is Congrats!)
Please note that these galleries are only available online for three months.
Government House posts photos of recipients on the Governor-General's Facebook page and Instagram. Feel free to share these posts.
We also post image galleries of each ceremony on this website.
Investiture filming
Please note: Due to Covid-19 restrictions temporarily changing the way our ceremonies are run, there will be no videography at the Auckland investiture ceremonies Sept 21-Sept 26.
All ceremonies are filmed and the video will be available on our Youtube chanel and this website within approximately 36 hours.
Investiture video Youtube channel
A selection of past ceremonies can be viewed here
The ceremony
The investiture ceremony takes around 20-30 minutes. 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.
Entry to Government House
Wellington
The Main Gate of Government House in Wellington 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
Auckland
Guests and recipients should arrive via the Savannah Street Gate, which is off Omana Avenue.
Other information
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