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On a beautiful winter Wellington Sunday morning, Dame Cindy joined the inaugural Mission to Seafarers service at Old St Pauls.   The Mission to Seafarers is an international organisation providing practical, emotional, and spiritual support to seafarers.…

Today at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a special lunch to show her appreciation for a group whose vital work goes largely unrecognised.   From farming to bungy jumping, Standards NZ relies on hundreds of volunteers to contribute their…

This morning, Government House Wellington played host to a very special celebration – 100 years of Rural Women New Zealand.   Rural Women New Zealand was founded in 1925, initially as a group of farmers’ wives who had gathered in Wellington for the…

Last night, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the District Court Judges Triennial Conference in Auckland, a national gathering of judges from across Te Kōti ā Rohe o Aotearoa.   In her address, the Governor-General reflected on the vocation of judging,…

This afternoon, Dame Cindy received a call from His Excellency Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, at Government House in Wellington. The Muslim World League is an independent international organisation…

Documentaries can help to open our minds and hearts to the experiences of others – deepening understanding, fostering empathy, and encouraging us to see the world from new perspectives.   Last week, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the opening night of…

Each year, Matariki offers a special opportunity to open Government House and bring people together in the spirit of reflection, connection, and renewal.   With an icy Wellington southerly howling outside, Government House was filled with the warmth of…

The Homosexual Law Reform Act of 1986 marked a turning point in New Zealand’s history. It followed years of courage, advocacy, and struggle by those who fought for dignity, safety, and equal treatment under the law. Yesterday afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted…

This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy received a call from Justine Daw, Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive of Royal Society Te Apārangi.   The Royal Society plays an important role in advancing research, scholarship, and the pursuit of…

This afternoon Dame Cindy welcomed three further new heads of mission to Government House in Wellington, receiving their credentials and marking the start of their mandates: HE Mr Benedikt Höskuldsson, Ambassador of Iceland; HE Mr Edward Pérez Reyes,…

Throughout the year, the Governor-General welcomes new foreign ambassadors and high commissioners to the country in a ceremony with a distinctively New Zealand character. Following a cultural welcome by members of the New Zealand Defence Force, heads of…

On yet another wet and windy evening in Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a reception to acknowledge all those who have been instrumental in keeping our region safe throughout the recent severe weather events. Guests included mayors from around the Wellington…

On Saturday, Dame Cindy joined the Niuean community in Christchurch to mark the 125 th anniversary of Niue being part of the realm of New Zealand. This constitutional relationship has been the foundation of the strong friendship shared between Niue and…

On Saturday afternoon, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended a plaque unveiling at the historic Christchurch Club. Club members planted a scarlet oak to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, in tribute to His Majesty’s lifelong…

This evening, Dame Cindy hosted the launch of the Te Korowai o Taonui Charitable Trust at Government House Auckland. The Trust is a new initiative which will support young people as they transition from the Rangatahi Court system. Te Korowai o Taonui’s…

Today at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy hosted a very special investiture ceremony for Sir Trevor Clarke who was knighted for his services to business and tourism. Sir Trevor has spent 60 years in the Cook Islands and held a variety of roles,…

Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed the recipients of the Child Cancer Foundation’s Life Membership and Star Awards to Government House Auckland. These awards recognise individuals who go above and beyond in support of the Foundation’s mission, helping…

Government House Wellington hummed with energy as Her Excellency hosted a diverse group of high school students from the Strengthening Democracy project. Around 70% of colleges in the Wellington area are taking part this project which educates young…

Last weekend, Dame Cindy presented 83 recipients with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Awards in a very special ceremony at Government House. The Governor-General’s involvement in this ceremony has long been a tradition, with the first Kiwi…

This afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted the Community Research Te Auaha Pito Mata Awards, celebrating the impact of emerging community researchers in Aotearoa New Zealand.   These awards recognise researchers who are in the first eight years of their career,…

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…

On this final morning of investiture ceremonies at Government House Wellington, eleven individuals were recognised for their significant contributions to New Zealand and our communities.   Professor Dame Helen Danesh-Meyer received the insignia of a Dame…

To conclude a wonderful week of investiture ceremonies, eleven further outstanding New Zealanders received their Royal Honours insignia at Government House on this beautiful Wellington afternoon. Mr Leith Comer, of Rotorua, received his CNZM for services…

This morning’s investiture ceremony saw ten extraordinary New Zealanders receive their Royal Honours insignia, including Rt Hon Sir Trevor Mallard who was knighted for his many years of service as a Member of Parliament and as Speaker of the House of…

A further eleven inspirational individuals were honoured at Government House Wellington this afternoon, including Dame Dorothy Spotswood in recognition of more than 50 years of services to philanthropy and charitable causes.   Ms Sue Elliott was awarded…

Nine New Zealand Royal Honours recipients were honoured at an investiture ceremony this afternoon in Wellington, including Mr Bill Nathan who was awarded his CNZM for services to Māori, notably his six decades co-leading the Ngāti Poneke Young Māori Club…

At Wednesday morning’s investiture ceremony, eight further recipients received their Royal Honours insignia for a range of outstanding achievements and service.   Professor Bev Lawton was recognised with a CNZM for her significant services to women’s…

This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy received a farewell call from Her Excellency Ms Mazita Marzuki, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to New Zealand. Ms Marzuki supported Dame Cindy's official visit to Malaysia in October 2023, and we…

Twelve remarkable New Zealanders were honoured at an investiture ceremony this afternoon in Wellington, including Sir Chris Parkin who was knighted for services to philanthropy and the arts.   Also acknowledged was Mr Donald Trott who received his CNZM in…

Investiture ceremonies continued this morning at Government House Wellington, with twelve more inspirational individuals receiving their insignia.   Professor Sir Graham Le Gros was knighted for his considerable service to medical science. The Reverend Dr…

Ms Rachel Taulelei was recognised with a CNZM for her services to business, Māori and governance at this afternoon’s investiture ceremony at Government House. Also acknowledged with ONZM's were Mr Ian Gardiner for services to the communications industry…

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…