Search

Dame Patsy virtually welcomed incoming Diplomats to Government House with the return of Credentials ceremonies via Zoom this afternoon. Presenting their letters of credence today were HE Mrs Felicidade de Sousa Guterres, Ambassador of the Democratic…

After visiting the site during its construction last year, Dame Patsy had the privilege to open Pet Refuge’s new space, which can now welcome up to 75 animals including cats, dogs, birds and other small pets. At the opening, Dame Patsy and Sir David had a…

This afternoon at Government House, Dame Patsy awarded Royal Humane Society of New Zealand Silver Medals to three extraordinary New Zealanders. Surrounded by family and friends, Constable Scott Higby, Finekata Moataane, and Provisional Sergeant Brett…

For Dame Patsy’s final regional visit as Governor-General, she headed north to Taranaki for a three- Dame Patsy Reddy and Sir David Gascoigne head down a tunnel of red lights day trip. The first stop on the trip was a celebration gala for Taranaki Arts…

Last night at Government House Dame Patsy was presented with a Distinguished Fellowship Award by the Institute of Directors, in recognition of her contribution in governance roles in the private sector and government.

On their first stop during the day visit to Christchurch, Dame Patsy and Sir David visited leading New Zealand sustainable fashion lable Untouched World. They produce most of their garments in New Zealand from sustainable and ethical sources that are as…

The second stop on Dame Patsy's final visit to Christchurch was a place she is now well-familiar with - the Canterbury Refugee Resettlement and Resource Centre. This was her fourth visit to the centre, based in the Phillipstown Community Hub. While she…

This afternoon Dame Patsy and Sir David attended the official opening of the Waikato Regional Council's new premises in Hamilton. Dame Patsy declared the building open, and Kiingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero te Tuawhitu unveiled taonga at various…

This evening, Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a reception for the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata. The Gallery, which has its permanent home at Shed 11 on Wellington’s Waterfront, tells the story of New Zealanders through portraiture. The…

At Olympic House in Auckland, Dame Patsy and Sir David received a briefing from New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith and NZOC President Mike Stanley. They also had the chance to speak with soon-to-be departing weightlifting coach Richie…

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David were hosted to a dinner by the Royal Wellington Golf Club. Governors and Governors-General have had a long association with the Club. Speech transcript

Following on from last week’s dinner for the 11 Defence personnel who have acted as her Aides de Dame Patsy Reddy and AM Kevin Short Camp, yesterday evening Dame Patsy thanked New Zealand Defence personnel for their support during her term of office. Army…

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted the annual Caring Families Aotearoa Excellence in Foster Care awards for some outstanding carers this afternoon. The annual awards recognise carers from around New Zealand going above and beyond for young people in need.…

Last Friday, following the investiture ceremony at Christchurch Town Hall, Dame Patsy and Sir David went to St George's Hospital for the official opening of the Cressy Wing. The Wing completes the hospital's extensive rebuild programme that was required…

Congratulations to the 11 recipients who received the insignia of their honours at a ceremony in Christchurch this morning. Amongst them were HamiltonJet Chairman and Technical Director Mike Hamilton, recognised for services to marine engineering and…

In February, a scheduled visit to Bluff's Te Rau Aroha Marae was postponed because of Level Two protocols around the size of public gatherings. After a very special trip to Whenua Hou yesterday to see the kakapo programme in action, which included meeting…

To contend with the crisp Wellington weather, Dame Patsy hosted a smaller (warmer) credentials ceremony inside for new Ambassadors and High Commissioners this morning. Presenting their letters of credence were Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica HE…

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David attended a meeting of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs at Victoria University. Dame Patsy spoke to an audience of NZIIA members and members of the Diplomatic Corps about the international aspect of the…

The work the Child Cancer Foundation does is so important to families going through an incredibly stressful time. The driving force behind the fantastic work foundation does are people who generously give their time, knowledge and skills – many in a…

Earlier in the year, Dame Patsy and Sir David truly enjoyed the opportunity to visit the Aotearoa Art Fair in Auckland. This evening they returned the favour and thanked the “engine room” of people who made the five-day experience a success. The Aotearoa…

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted staff and supporters of Wellington's City Mission to hear about the Mission's exciting new project, Whakamaru, which will be a community hub in Newtown. When Whakamaru is completed in two years' time, it will…

Dame Patsy formally opened Te Papa's magnificent exhibition of surrealist art from Rotterdam's Museum  Boijmans Van Beuningen. The 180 works include sculpture, film, paintings, drawings, books, and decorative arts by leading surrealists, including…

Image of Dame Patsy being greeted by Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley Australian Governor-General, HE General the Hon David Hurley welcomed Dame Patsy to Canberra as she began a State Visit , the first since…

This morning Dame Patsy received the credentials of new diplomatic envoys to New Zealand: HE Mr Chann Rotana, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia; HE Ms Satu Mattila-Budich, Ambassador of the Republic of Finland; HE Mr Merzak Belhimeur, Ambassador of…

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a dinner this evening to thank some of the many people who have contributed to the new Wellington Children’s Hospital, which is nearing its final stages of completion. The stories of the guests attending showed what a…

On Saturday Dame Patsy travelled to Whangara to present Professor Sir Derek Lardelli with the insignia for his knighthood. The powhiri featured spectacular kapa haka and waiata by hundreds of people, some of whom had travelled from around New Zealand to…

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David attended celebrations to mark 25 years of tenancy of the Old Government Buildings by Victoria University of Wellington's Law Faculty. Dame Patsy spoke to an audience of eminent alumni, current staff and students,…

Government House was lit up for the return of Matairangi Mahi Toi Artist in Residence Troy Kingi with a preview of his new album "Black Sea, Golden Ladder'. Created during his residency at Government House, the album is a series of songs about the…

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted Trustees and supporters of Te Papa Foundation for a tour of selected rooms at Government House, focussing on the art, furniture and interior design elements. Te Papa Foundation was established to support Te Papa'…

Dame Patsy hosted a reception to mark Whānau Āwhina Plunket's 114th birthday and International Nurses Day. Dame Patsy helped unveil a portrait of Plunket's wahine toa Mere Harper and Ria Tikini, two midwives who worked closely with Dr Truby-King and were…

Friday afternoon closed the Wellington New Year 2021 investiture ceremonies, with 14 recipients receiving their honours. Celebrated author Elizabeth Knox received a CNZM for services to literature and playwright Victor Roger was awarded an ONZM.…

Professor Dame Cindy Kiro was honoured for services to child wellbeing and education at this morning’s investiture ceremony.  Dame Cindy was Children’s Commissioner and University of Auckland’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Māori) before becoming the first female…