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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…

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a reception celebrating the successful conclusion of a major refurbishment of the Katherine Mansfield House and Garden. The project saw the roof replaces, an upgrade of the heating and ventilation systems, the installation…

The 2016 Kaikoura earthquake made the building that housed Defence and the Ministry of Defence uninhabitable. Today Dame Patsy and Hon Ron Mark, Minister of Defence, formally opened a new Defence House by unveiling the signage. Dame Patsy also cut a…

Dame Patsy hosted the final investiture ceremony of 2019 in the ballroom of Dunedin's famed Larnach Castle. 19 New Zealanders were recognised for their services to documentary filmmaking, natural history, conservation, sexual and reproductive health,…

Dame Patsy hosted the final investiture ceremony of 2019 in the ballroom of Dunedin's famed Larnach Castle. 19 New Zealanders were recognised for their services to documentary filmmaking, natural history, conservation, sexual and reproductive health,…

"I dub thee ... Coco!" That's not actually what Dame Patsy said but the black and white SPCA puppy who was given her forever name this morning at Government House seemed quite happy as the SPCA launched its Giving Hearts legacy programme in Wellington.…

To date, nearly 900 New Zealanders have been Churchill Fellows, travelling overseas to further their knowledge in an incredibly diverse range of fields. The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust was established in the 1960s, with fellowships awarded to people…

Dame Patsy received a farewell call from the Ambassador of Switzerland, HE David Vogelsanger at Government House in Wellington this morning. New Zealand was the final posting for the Ambassador who will retire from diplomatic life in six days. Image of…

Last call for entries to the ballot for invitations to the 2020 Waitangi Day Garden Reception. The ballot closes at midnight on Tuesday 24 September. Enter online here Strawberries at the Bledis  

Services to governance, the community, women, library information management and the arts, television and theatre, sport, woodchopping, youth, philanthropy, and the Tokelauan community. Dame Kerry Prendergast was recognised for her many leadership roles…

Congratulations to the 16 New Zealanders recognised at Government House this morning for their services to local, government, the community, conservation, people with rare health disorders, the blind community, music education, wildlife conservation, the…

This afternoon's honour recipients received insignia for services to Cook Islands business and tourism, people with intellectual disabilities, design, the New Zealand Kennel Club, education, rugby, gliding, Maori and Maori arts, horticulture and the arts…

Science, youth health, wildlife conservation and opthalmology were just some of the areas this morning's 16 honours recipients have made an impact on. Dame Sue Bagshaw was recognised for her 30 year career in the youth health sector, while Professor…

Members of the Defence Force, Police, Fire and Emergency and the Coastguard received insignia for the Queen's Birthday Honours at a ceremony at Government House this morning. In addition, services to criminal psychology and victim support were…

Congratulations to everybody recognised for their service at this afternoon's investiture ceremony at Government House in Wellington. Sir Paul Adams received the insignia of a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to philanthropy…

As a tribute to one of our most distinguished scientists, the late Sir Paul Callaghan, the Eureka! Young Science Leaders programme was established to encourage and recognise excellence in science communication. The 12 finalists come together in Wellington…

The 2020 Waitangi Day Garden Reception is being held at Government House in, Wellington, on Thursday 6 February. We want as many New Zealanders as possible to have the opportunity to join Their Excellencies in marking this special day, so once again we're…

The final investiture ceremony for the week saw nine women and three men receive their insignia from Dame Patsy. Services to Maori and Maori language education, haemotology and obstetrics, midwifery, health, dancing, the arts, and diverse communities were…

12 more recipients were honoured for their services to youth and education, family violence prevention, women, engineering, domestic violence prevention and the State, rugby, victim support, seniors, the community, the Niuean community and sport. Coaching…

There was a strong Pasifika presence amongst the thirteen recipients at this afternoon's investiture ceremony. Honours were awarded for outstanding sporting achievements; and for dedicated service to communities, youth, education, workers' rights, and…