Search

Dame Patsy officiated at a special investiture for Roy Cowley, who received the insignia of an MNZM for his services to charity governance and the arts. Roy volunteered in governance roles for charity and the arts community in Wellington for more than 30…

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a reception to mark the successful completion of the Pacifica Mamas' Matairangi Mahi Toi arts residency. On display was the magnificent ei (garland) and harakeke installation the Mamas worked on during their time at…

Government House's Kaumatua, Professor Piri Sciascia died last Saturday morning. Dame Patsy joined the Prime Minister at his tangi on Monday, and today at his funeral in Porangahau. During his time at Government House Piri was responsible for introducing …

Dame Patsy sent this message to the participants at the World Holocaust Forum Conference 2020 taking place at Yad Vashem on 23 January, Remembering the Holocaust and Fighting Antisemitism, As your conference on “Remembering the Holocaust and Fighting…

Dame Patsy travelled to Maungapohatu, a remote Tuhoe settlement in the Ureweras, where she gave Royal Assent to the Rua Kenana Pardon Bill, which in addition to pardoning Rua Kenana, also conveyed an apology from the Crown. Rua Kenana was a religious…

The ballot invitations for next year's Waitangi Day garden reception were posted today (20 December) Waitangi Day 2020 information

'Come a little bit closer" Dame Patsy urged. There's no point in giving a speech thanking everyone for their help over the year if everyone's way down the back of the ballroom! One of the last functions for 2019 was a thank you to the many organisations…

The weather was ideal for Dame Patsy's visit to Government House Auckland's next door neighbour Eden Garden. Once a quarry, thanks to the efforts of the Eden Garden Society and a host of volunteers the site is now a magnificent garden featuring some…

Dame Patsy visited the flotilla taking part in the Tuia 250 Voyage when they berthed in Welington Harbour. See more images Image of the replica 'Endeavour'

The Sir George Elliot Scholarships for tertiary study are awarded to high-achieving students who have overcome challenging personal circumstances. This year's recipients are Zahra Habibi, of Mangere College, who arrived as a non English-speaking refugee…

Last night Dame Patsy spoke at the NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards and presented the Supreme Award to Little Yellow Bird, which supplies corporate uniforms and ethical clothes to businesses, while providing ethical employment and education…

The SPCA has an impressive brand new centre in Hobsonville, purpose-built to serve the needs of the organisation and their animal charges. It is also intended to be self-supporting, with a Doggy Day-care centre and Veterinary services in the same building…

Dame Patsy hosted a moving service at Government House in Auckland to mark the 40th anniversary of the Erebus accident. There were muffled sobs from assembled family members of the 257 people killed in the accident as the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern…

mage of Dame Patsy's favourite 'St. Matthew: lightening' There was an arty undertone to Dame Patsy's stay in Auckland this week. First stop was Auckland Art Gallery for the exhibition "A Place to Paint: Colin McCahon in Auckland" More images Later that…

TRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were officially welcomed to New Zealand with a ceremony at Government House in Auckland. The Duchess of Cornwall returned in the afternoon for a reception for the global movement Women of the World. The…

Today Dame Patsy hosted the Rhodes Scholarship committee meeting and candidate interviews at Government House in Wellington. There were 8 candidates and Dame Patsy said the committee was impressed by their enthusiasm and ability. The three Rhodes Scholars…

This morning Dame Patsy hosted a high tea for the Wellington Down Syndrome Association's annual Frances Clarke Memorial Awards,  which recognise and encourage the special achievements of people born with Down syndrome in the greater Wellington region.…

This morning Dame Patsy received the credentials of the Ambassador of Switzerland, HE Mr Michael Winzap, the Ambassador of Mexico, HE Mr Alfredo Rogerio Perez Bravo, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, HE Mrs Dina Farouk El Sahy, and the…

This afternoon Dame Patsy received the credentials of the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, HE Mr Edgardo Valdés López; the Ambassador of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, HE Mrs Victoria Francolino; the Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus, HE Dr…

Defence chiefs wear ceremonial korowai that are passed on when a new incumbant takes up the role. Now Warrant Officers of the Defence Force have a harakeke hieke (rain cloak), woven especially by WO1 Robert Jobe. This afternoon the hieke was blessed and…

Today Dame Patsy attended a wananga at Papawai Marae, near Greytown, in honour of Sir Kim Workman, who was knighted earlier this year for his contributions to prison reform. Papawai Marae's national significance was recognised this year with its addition…

On Monday night,  Dame Patsy spoke at Transparency International's AGM in Wellington. Transparency International is a global civil society organisation that works to counter corruption. Image of Dame Patsy speaks at the AGM of Transparency International…

Congratulations to Felicity Gapes who received her Florence Nightingale medal at Government House this afternoon More images Read about Felicity's work Image of Felicity gapes being presented with her certificate and a framed portrait of Florence…

Happy Birthday to Good Bitches Baking, who came to Government House to mark five years of service to New Zealanders with a celebration of kindness. Founders Nicole Murray and Marie Fitzpatrick have marshalled a troupe of volunteer bakers from all around…

Dame Patsy and Sir David have been in Tokyo, where they represented New Zealand at the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito, the 126th monarch of Japan. This was followed by a Court Banquet at the Imperial Palace. Yesterday they visited Nezu Museum to see…

Dame Patsy officiated at the opening of a new facility for Breastscreen Auckland and St Marks Breast Centre following a Powhiri led by Ngāti Whatua Orakei. The special purpose facility has been designed to suit the specific needs of its female clients.…

Last night Dame Patsy and Sir David joined guests at the annual Graeme Dingle Foundation Excellence Awards to celebrate the achievements of young graduates of the Foundation's youth development programmes - and to acknowledge the mentors, volunteers and…

Crimestoppers had plenty to celebrate as they marked their 10th anniversary at Government House in Wellington. Displays offered an insight into exactly how much crime the anonymous tipline has had a hand in solving and their work isn't over yet. Based on…

On Tuesday in Gisborne, the Tuia 250 flotilla was enlarged with the arrival of European vessels: HMB Edeavour, R Tucker Thompson and Spirit of New Zealand.  This will be the start of the flotilla's journey around New Zealand, and a journey into the…

Yesterday the Tuia 250-Encounters commemorations commenced in Gisborne. The commemorations celebrate the Polynesian voyaging tradition, the beginning of Polynesian settlement of Aotearoa, 750 years ago, and the meeting of Maori and Pakeha on land, when…