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Nine recipients were honoured today at Government House, including Sir Robert ‘Bom’ Gillies; the last surviving member of the Māori Battalion. Sir Robert served in B company during World War 2, and has been active in representing the Battalion at official…

Eleven recipients were welcomed to Government House for their investiture this morning including former National President of New Zealand Red Cross, Dr Jenny McMahon. Dr McMahon was honoured for her work with the aid organisation, who she first became…

Former Director-General of the Department of Conservation, Lou Sanson, received his QSO this afternoon at Government House. One of his many achievements in his eight years at DOC was overseeing the Predator Free New Zealand Strategy. Also among this…

Today, Dame Cindy presented Honours recipients with insignia recognising outstanding achievements and service. Eminent author Emeritus Professor Sir Vincent O'Sullivan received the accolade when he was re-designated from a DCNZM to a KNZM. Recipients were…

Dame Cindy and Dr Davies started their Anzac Day by attending the Dawn Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. The service included performances by the New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir, and readings by Air Marshal Kevin Short, Chief of Defence…

When Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei welcomed Dame Cindy and Dr Davies to Ōrākei Marae earlier this year, they presented Their Excellencies with a tukutuku panel that represents the maunga of Tāmaki Makaurau. Today, 'Rūaumoko' was unveiled in place in the Pavilion at…

In honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed some familiar faces back to Government House for a dinner on the 9th of April. Former Governors-General Dame Patsy Reddy, Sir Jerry Mateparae and Sir Anand Satyanand…

Dame Cindy welcomed eight new diplomatic representatives to New Zealand today at Government House, with the return of full-scale credentials ceremonies. Presenting their letters of credence were: HE Mr Jose Emilio Bustinza Soto, Ambassador of the Republic…

This week the ICC Women's World Cup tournament is approaching its final stages. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies hosted Cup personnel and New Zealand team captain, Sophie Devine, at a reception at Government House, where Dame Cindy, Hon Grant Robertson and Rt Hon…

Dame Cindy recently spent the week in Auckland, meeting with some remarkable organisations and individuals supporting their communities and fellow New Zealanders. On Wednesday morning, Dame Cindy met with Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, who, among his many…

On Thursday, in a very special ceremony held at Government House Auckland, the Governor-General was invested as Dame of Justice of St John and installed as the Prior of St John, while Dr Davies was invested as an Officer of St John.  The investiture…

Yesterday Dame Cindy hosted two events at Government House to celebrate Commonwealth Day 2022. The New Zealand Olympic Committee and guests attended a morning reception where NZOC Kuia Ranui Ngarimu and Kaumatua Ta Derek Lardelli presented Poupekapeka, a…

Today, Dame Cindy hosted a virtual credentials ceremony for three new Ambassadors based overseas. Presenting credentials were HE Mr Ibrahim Shaheeb, Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives; HE Mr Darius Degutis, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania; and…

This morning Dame Cindy spoke at an inspiring and informative virtual hui of the Aotearoa Circle, a cross-sector group that is working on developing roadmaps for a sustainable future for Aotearoa New Zealand. Hon Dr Megan Woods and Hon James Shaw also…

Dame Cindy and Dr Davies welcomed members of the Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade who achieved to the highest level their respective organisations. The Queen’s Badge, Loyal Perseverance and Queen’s Award recipients have dedicated years to community…

This morning, Dame Cindy held credentials ceremonies for three new Ambassadors to New Zealand. HE Mr Wang Xiaolong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China; HE Mr Nguyen Van Trung, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and HE Mrs Fientje…

Seventy years ago, on 6 February 1952, a 25-year-old Princess Elizabeth asceded the throne, and became Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms. In this, the Platinum Jubilee year, we celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years as Queen of New…

This year was a departure from New Zealanders’ previous experiences of our national day. Most Waitangi Day gatherings were curtailed or cancelled due to public health considerations, but the advent of pre-recorded broadcasts enabled a broad audience to…

This morning Dame Cindy welcomed the 2021 recipients of the Sir George Elliot Tertiary Scholarships. The scholarships have been awarded each year since 1999, recognising a student's academic ability, contributions to the community and achieving success…

Last night at Government House, Their Excellencies enjoyed a real festive treat, with the Virtuoso Strings Orchestra playing a special Christmas concert. Established in 2013, and with acclaimed New Zealand-Samoan opera singer Jonathan Lemalu as its patron…

The final investiture ceremony for the year saw eight recipients receive their honours across a wide range of fields, including one of our most capped Black Ferns. Kendra Cocksedge received an MNZM for her outstanding rugby career, during which she won…

This afternoon's investiture ceremony welcomed eight recipients to Government House Wellington. These New Zealanders were acknowledged for their work across: the public service, music, education, nursing, governance, wildlife conservation and the…

Renowned artist Sir Grahame Sydney KNZM, economist Suzanne Snively (Honorary DNZM) and champion freediver William Trubridge MNZM were among the extraordinary New Zealanders who received their insignia for Queens Birthday honours at this morning's…

This afternoon, Dame Cindy welcomed 11 further recipients to Government House for their investiture ceremony. They included former Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis, who was honoured for his extensive contributions to the Wairarapa District, including his…

This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy had the pleasure of presenting insignia to seven recipients of Queen's Birthday Honours. Dame Hinewehi Mohi (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe) was among the recipients, for her contributions to music,…

Ten recipients were welcomed to Government House Wellington this afternoon to receive their insignia, including former Member of Parliament Hon Ruth Dyson. Ruth Dyson, who retired from Parliament in 2020, was recognised for her time as an MP representing…

This morning's investiture ceremony honoured the service of nine New Zealanders who have helped to make New Zealand a better place through their work in various fields: in support of victims of sexual violence; secondary school sport; plant science; bowls…

This morning eight recipients received their insignia at Government House Wellington, including National President of the Council of Women, Vanisa Dhiru. Ms Dhiru led the NCWNZ’s Gender Equal NZ campaign, and she is also Chief Executive of Volunteering…

This afternoon at Government House Wellington, eight remarkable New Zealanders received their insignia, following their inclusion on the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours List. They included Mr Jack Thatcher, for his services to Māori and education, and Ms…

This afternoon marked the beginning of the Wellington investiture ceremonies, honouring the 2021 Queen's Birthday New Zealand Honours recipients. Recipients came from right across the country – from Hastings to Geraldine. Among those receiving insignia…

After a quick trip in an NH90 helicopter, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were welcomed onto the New Zealand Army Marae, before attending the New Zealand Commissioning Course Graduation 2021 at Waiouru Military Camp. The marae was famously carried in place by…

Yesterday evening Dame Cindy and Dr Davies honoured the 18 rangatahi who recently graduated from the BGI (Wellington Boys' and Girls' Institute) Challenge for Change programme. BGI has been helping young people of Wellington since 1883, teaching them life…