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Dame Cindy Kiro with Joe Harawira, Bobby Newson and Taini Drummond The rain might have been pouring down, but the welcome was warm when Dame Cindy visited the amazing team at Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae, who have been providing a solution to food insecurity…

As Patron of Whānau Āwhina Plunket, Dame Cindy joined members of their organisation to farewell outgoing Chief Executive, Amanda Malu, who held the role for six years. Among Amanda's achievements during her time with the infant/tamariki health service was…

This morning at Government House Auckland, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted a morning tea in celebration of New Zealand Riding for the Disabled’s 60th anniversary. NZRDA aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people who are experiencing…

Today the rain held off long enought for Government House to offer our full outdoor credential ceremonies, including powhiri and an inspection of a Guard of Honour. Dame Cindy received the credentials of six new diplomatic envoys to New Zealand. This…

This morning at the Beehive, Dame Cindy officially opened Youth Parliament 2022. Held every three years, Youth Parliament provides a unique opportunity for a diverse group of young New Zealanders to learn first-hand about New Zealand's democratic…

Christchurch investiture ceremonies continued this morning at the Town Hall, with seven further recipients honoured for their outstanding work across New Zealand. Professor John Simpson received his insignia for services to art education – serving as the…

Thursday afternoon saw the final investiture ceremony held in Christchurch, with Dame Cindy presenting insignia to seven further Honours recipients. Among them was Christine Lake, honoured for over 20 years with New Zealand’s largest health and wellbeing…

Dame Cindy presented insignia to six Honours recipients this afternoon at the Christchurch Town Hall. Dr Michael Dunbier was acknowledged for services to agricultural science, including as Director of DSIR Crop Research, and foundation CEO of the New…

This afternoon at the Christchurch Town Hall, Dame Cindy hosted the New Zealand Bravery Awards, acknowledging those who exhibited such extraordinary courage at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre on 15th March 2019. The family of the late Dr…

Dame Cindy welcomed a further five new Ambassadors to New Zealand today: HE Ms Biljana Stefanovska-Sekovska, Ambassador of The Republic of North Macedonia; HE Mr Sinchai Manivanh, or of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; HE Mr Davaasuren Damdinsuren,…

Today, four new diplomatic representatives presented their credentials at Government House Wellington. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed HE Mr Daniel Rosa, Ambassador to the Republic of Angola; HE Mr Robert Pimentel, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic;…

This evening at the National Library, Dame Cindy delivered the annual Founder Lecture, hosted by the Friends of the Turnbull Library. Her Excellency's lecture was entitled, 'Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua: Approaching our past with curiosity and…

Ko tōku reo tōku ohooho, ko tōku reo tōku māpihi maurea My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul 2022 marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade of Indigenous Languages, which recognises the right to revitalise and promote…

Last night at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted the Diplomatic Corps for a very special Matariki Dinner, to mark the first time that New Zealand has observed Matariki as a public holiday. The mid-winter reappearance of the…

He Wahine Maori Ahau is an inspirational speaker series focussing on the experience of Wahine Maori in the Public Service. The topic of yesterday's forum at the National Library was 'The Impact of the past on women today'. Dame Cindy was welcomed with a…

Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the Japan Festival in Wellington yesterday – a very special event that also marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and New Zealand. This biennial celebration of Japanese culture featured musical…

Today marks Suzanne Aubert's 187th birthday. Mother Aubert devoted her life to looking after those in need, and founded the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion. Last night, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the Compassion Soup Kitchen in Wellington, to…

Last night's concert by NZTrio marked the 20th year since it was formed. The current line-up of Ashley Brown, Amalia Hall and Somi Kim gave an exquisite performance of classic and contemporary music. Speech transcript

This afternoon at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy authorised the appointment of Hon Kieran McAnulty to the Executive Council, as well as the appointment of Ministers to their new portfolios, on the advice of the Prime Minister. Minister McAnulty…

There’s an old saying that goes “if you want something done, ask a busy person”. This afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted a group that truly embodies that phrase - the Auckland Justices of the Peace Association. This year marks the Centenary of the AJAP, who…

This afternoon, Dame Cindy officially opened Vision Bus Aotearoa; University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau's initiative to help solve inequities and barriers of access in getting better eye health to those in need. The School of Optometry and Vision…

To (belatedly) celebrate Gunners Day, Dame Cindy hosted a dinner for the Royal New Zealand Artillery Association at Government House Auckland. The RNZAA was formed in 1934 by World War I veterans, and continues as an advocacy group for New Zealand Gunners…

To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies travelled to the United Kingdom to represent Aotearoa at the official celebrations. The trip began with a meeting with New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom…

To celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a Service of Celebration was held at the Cathedral of St Paul in Wellington this morning. The Administrator of the Government Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann attended in place of Dame Cindy, who is in…

This morning's six recipients of honours insignia at Government House included Dr Geoff Lorigan, CNZM, who was acknowledged for his work in strategic development, academia and business. Sporting prowess featured in the careers of two recipients: Jane…

Today was the final day of the Auckland investiture round. The eight recipients of honours this afternoon were acknowledged for their services to the State and the community, education and historical research,  governance and education, philanthropy,…

On 15 March, His Excellency Dr Richard Davies was invested as an Officer of St John and took up the role of Patron for Community Health. Last week, St John hosted Dr Davies to a comprehensive induction tour, including its Community Health programmes and…

Tonight’s reception for the Himalayan Trust at Government House Auckland celebrated Everest Day – 29 May 2022 is the 69th anniversary of the historic conquest of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. It was just as much about Sir Ed's…

This morning's eight honours recipients included Sir Wayne Shelford KNZM, former All Black Captain and men's health advocate, and Rawiri Paratene, who received his CNZM for his services to Maori, film and theatre. Recipients were acknowledged for…

At this afternoon’s investiture ceremony, eight honours recipients received their insignia. They included Maxine Shortland, who has contributed 40 years to Netball as a player, coach, manager and administrator. Her governance roles in Northland have …

A New Zealand sporting trailblazer received a DNZM this morning at Government House. Dame Ruia Morrison was recognised for her outstanding tennis career, where she was the first Māori to compete at Wimbledon. She played in the 1957, 1958 1960 tournaments…

Among the eight recipients at this afternoon’s investiture ceremony was Teremoana Rapley, where she was recognised for contributions to music and television. Teremoana is known for her solo music career, as part of Moana and the Moahunters, and…