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On Friday, Dame Cindy was delighted to host HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and HRH Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho of Tonga for lunch at Government House Auckland.   This visit reinforces the strong friendship enjoyed between Tonga and New…

Today is Writ Day when the Governor-General issues formal direction to the Electoral Commission to hold the election – a key constitutional step in the election process. The writ sets out the closing date for nomination of candidates, polling day, and the…

During the final morning of investitures at Government House Auckland, eight individuals received honours for their commitment to our communities.   Mr Peter Thompson received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to…

Investitures at Government House Auckland concluded this afternoon, with eight more recipients honoured.   Professor Caroline Crowther received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to maternal and perinatal health.  …

This morning, eight further New Zealanders received honours for their service to our communities. Sir Peter Boshier was knighted for services to the State and the judiciary. Sir Peter was the Chief Ombudsman from 2015 to 2025, and has served as the…

A further five exceptional New Zealanders were recognised at Government House Auckland this afternoon.   Ms Chloe Smith received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the screen industry. Ms Smith has been involved…

Investitures continued in Auckland this afternoon with a further six outstanding New Zealanders recognised for their service to our communities. Mr Bryan Mogridge received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to…

This morning, seven further New Zealanders were honoured at Government House Auckland. Dame Elizabeth Rata received her insignia as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education, recognising an academic career spanning five…

Seven further recipients of New Zealand Royal Honours were acknowledged this afternoon at Government House Auckland.   Dr Reuben Collier received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and education. Dr Collier…

This morning, seven outstanding New Zealanders were honoured at Government House Auckland for their exceptional service, achievements, and dedication to others.   Sir David Ellis was knighted for services to the thoroughbred industry and philanthropy. Sir…

Investiture ceremonies began at Government House Auckland this afternoon with six recipients honoured across a range of fields.   The Honourable Paul Davison, KC, received the insignia of a Companion of the King’s Service Order for services to public…

Investitures at Government House Wellington concluded this morning, with twelve more recipients being honoured across a range of fields. Dame Susan Hassall was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education. Dame Susan…

Investiture ceremonies continued at Government House Wellington this morning, honouring eleven more recipients who have demonstrated excellence, compassion, and commitment in their respective fields.   Sir Paul Baker was knighted for services to health.…

At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony at Government House Wellington, nine New Zealanders were recognised for their outstanding service and achievements.   Dr Ron Beatson and Dr Keith Woodford received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand…

The New Zealand Honours system recognises those whose actions, leadership and service have had a lasting impact on our communities and country. This morning, Government House Wellington hosted eleven more outstanding New Zealanders who were recognised in…

At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, twelve more recipients were acknowledged for their exceptional service and achievement.  Ms Robyn Hunt, ONZM, received the insignia of a companion of the King’s Service Order for services to people with…

This morning, twelve more individuals were honoured at Government House Wellington for their exceptional service, achievement, and dedication to others.   Four recipients received honours for their commitment to Fire and Emergency New Zealand; Leota Pauga…

Every New Zealand Honours recipient has been nominated by someone who believed their contribution deserves to be recognised and celebrated. At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, twelve more recipients were acknowledged for their dedication and…

Investitures began at Government House Wellington this afternoon with twelve recipients honoured in a range of fields.  Five recipients received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Mr Scott O’Donnell for services to business, Mr…

For 50 years, Age Concern Wellington Region has helped older people across the region stay connected, maintain their independence, and continue living full, engaged lives.   Yesterday afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted a high tea at Government House to…

On Tuesday night Their Excellencies hosted the NZ Kindergartens Centenary Reception at Government House. NZK is a charitable organisation grounded in Friedrich Fröbel’s educational philosophy, representing 19 Kindergarten Associations across Aotearoa. In…

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…

This afternoon Dame Cindy welcomed four further new heads of mission to Government House in Wellington, receiving their credentials and marking the start of their mandates:   HE Ms Kristina Jonek, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany HE Mr…

Dame Cindy attended the Global Leaders Pōwhiri at Tūrangawaewae as part of this year’s Koroneihana celebrations – marking Her Excellency’s first Koroneihana as Governor-General.   At a spectacular gathering bringing together Kīngitanga, iwi, Pacific…

This morning, Dr Davies attended the commemoration of Merchant Navy Day at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. Merchant Navy Day marks the anniversary of the sinking of the first British merchant ship, just hours after the declaration of the Second World…

On Thursday evening, Their Excellencies hosted the launch of the Antarctic Heritage Trust's new conservation management plan. The Trust care for five major expedition bases on behalf of the global community, including Shackleton’s 1908 hut, Hillary’s hut…

On Friday, Their Excellencies hosted an afternoon tea for staff and supporters of Te Pā at Government House Auckland. Te Pā is a kaupapa Māori organisation supporting whānau who are in the justice system, exiting the system, or are returned from overseas…

To conclude his time in Aotearoa New Zealand, General Secretary and President of Viet Nam Tô Lâm accompanied Dame Cindy to Starkwhite Gallery in Auckland to view world-renowned photographer Fiona Pardington’s breathtaking new work.   Taharaki Skyside was…

West Lynn Garden is a beautiful community garden in New Lynn, nurtured by generations of volunteers since it was established in 1981. Earlier this week, the Governor-General visited the Garden to continue a longstanding vice-regal tradition – planting an…

Dame Cindy was honoured to officially welcome General Secretary and President of Viet Nam Tô Lâm to Government House Auckland yesterday. This is the first state visit to New Zealand by a President of Viet Nam since 2007.  Viet Nam and New Zealand have…

On Saturday, Their Excellencies hosted an afternoon tea to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Wellington Embroiderers' Guild.   The Guild aims to provide resources and learning opportunities to help members develop their skills, as well as promote…

The Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga are the highest honour bestowed by The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, recognising extraordinary lifetime achievement and lasting contribution to the cultural life of Aotearoa.   Last night at Government House Wellington,…