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Diplomats accredited to New Zealand are currently in Northland on a tour related to the history of nationhood in New Zealand, dating from the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840. Today Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a lunch for them and their…

The annual Beat Retreat ceremony at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds this evening commemorated longstanding naval connections with Waitangi. It was perfect weather for the crowd to witness marching by the Guard of Honour, the precision movements of the navy…

One of Northland's favourite sons, Sir Hec Busby, received his knighthood from Dame Patsy today in front of a huge crowd of well-wishers at the Treaty Grounds in Waitangi. Sir Hec was recognised for reviving the tradition of building waka hourua,…

This morning, Dame Patsy received the credentials of the High Commissioner of the Cook Islands, HE Mrs Elizabeth Foster Wright-Koteka; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia, HE Mr Frank Francis Bwalya; the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi…

This afternoon Dame Patsy received the credentials of the Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic, HE Mr Milad Raad; the Ambassador of Iceland, HE Mrs Kristin Arnadottir; and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, HE Mr Paul Gulleik Larsen. Image Gallery

Dame Patsy and Sir David spent yesterday afternoon at Papakura Military Camp with the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment, learning more about the Regiment’s history and culture. Their Excellencies also visited the camp’s memorial area and chapel…

Government House Auckland was gifted to the Queen for the use of Governors-General by Sir Frank and Lady Mappin, who were noted horticulturalists and philanthropists. The grounds that they created, a garden of national significance, needed to be protected…

Governor Hobson provided a naval guardship for the first Auckland regatta, and every year since, the Royal New Zealand Navy has kept  up that tradition for the Auckland Anniversary Day regatta. Today, Dame Patsy and Sir David joined the crew and guests on…

Today Dame Patsy received a call from new Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Proctor and wife Wendy Proctor. Coco came along to supervise proceedings and was happy to join in the photo along with Sir David, the Chief of Navy's Flag Lieutenant Caitlin…

Dame Patsy and Sir David were given a special tour of the new Wildbase Recovery facility in Palmerston North. The facility, which is in it's commissioning phase, is will be a rehabilitation centre for some of the many New Zealand birds operated on at…

Dame Patsy and Sir David attended the final concert of the NZ Opera School's 2019 season. The concert, "Great Opera Moments 2019) featured 20 up and coming New Zealand singers who were specially chosen to study with international tutors. After the concert…

Happy New Year, New Zealand! Dame Patsy wishes you all the best for a brighter, more sustainable 2019.

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a function for people and organisations who have had a role in the running of Government House in Auckland over the last year. Guests ranged from electricians and security specialists to cleaning company staff, art experts…

Today, Dame Patsy and Sir David visited Kauri Flats School in Takanini, Auckland. Pupils have been attending the  school since 2017 but building only finished recently. The area is experiencing lots of growth and the roll of 130 is expected to expand by…

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a second dinner to thank arts patrons for their support for New Zealand's creative sector, this time at Government House in Auckland. Actor and Arts Foundation Laureate Cliff Curtis spoke about the effect philanthropy has…

This evening Government House celebrated the arts in New Zealand with the people who help to make it possible for artists, writers and performers to develop their talent, create new works and make us think about who we are and where we are going. Composer…

Heart Kids Wellington couldn't have asked for a better day to celebrate their 30th anniversary, with blue skies and sunshine the order of the day at Government House. Maia the Heart Kids Bear and Marshall from Paw Patrol proved popular, as did the bouncy…

The sun shone for today's visit by helicopter to Waiouru, where 34 New Zealand officer cadets and 8 officer cadets from 5 other nations graduated from their commissioning course, and performed precision parade ground drills to the accompaniment of the…

Yesterday Dame Patsy joined 800 plus women at the Bold Steps Conference in Auckland. The conference was initiated by women who are leaders in their field and provides the attendees with opportunities to hear inspiring advice about career progression and…

Coco had competition for the affections of Dame Patsy and Sir David after a visit to Te Hopai Home and Hospital in Wellington this morning. They were there to observe the work of Canine Friends Pet Therapy, a volunteer organisation that takes dogs into…

Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand has been supporting individuals and families for 50 years. Tonight's reception at Government House acknowledged the tireless efforts of volunteers, medical personnel, researchers and families who have made a difference in the…

Dame Patsy welcomed the President of the Republic of Korea, HE Moon Jae-In and his wife HE Kim Jung-sook to New Zealand during a ceremony at Government House in Auckland. Tropical rainstorms did not dampen the enthusiasm of the New Zealand Defence Force,…

In 1999 the Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust launched the Elliot Scholarships. Each year since then, the Trust has awarded three scholarships worth $25,000 to students who fit the criteria of being academically successful, with future leadership…

Today marks the 125th anniversary of the first general election in New Zealand where women were able to cast their vote. Dame Patsy hosted a morning tea to mark the occasion and thank the staff from the Ministry of Women for their work organising Suffrage…

The rain fell and the wind blew but the scheduled credentials ceremonies at Government House continued regardless, although in a somewhat truncated form. Dame Patsy was delighted to receive the credentials of the envoys from Ukraine, Ghana, Mozambique,…

Today Dame Patsy officiated at the swearing-in of the Chief Justice and a Judge of the High Court of Niue. Judge Miharo Armstrong and new Chief Justice, Judge Craig Coxhead each swore an Oath of Allegiance and a Judicial Oath in front of Dame Patsy. The…

Dame Patsy and Sir David were delighted to host a reception to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the New Zealand Film Commission at Government House in Wellington this evening. Dame Patsy and Sir David have close ties to the Commission having both served…

Dame Patsy delivered the opening address at the NZ Women in leadershop Alumnae Symposium at Victoria University today. The NZWiL programme exists to support and encourage the development of women who are, or aspire to be, leaders within the university…

This morning His Excellency Sebastian Pinera, the President of Chile received a State Welcome at Government House Auckland. Image Gallery

Some very special guests at Government House tonight for the annual dinner for Members of the Order of New Zealand (ONZ). The order is the highest honour that can be awarded to a New Zealander and it is a privilege to host people whose outstanding…

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a lunch for departing Heads of Mission at Government House on Wednesday. Congratulations to NZ High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mr Hunter Nottage; NZ High Commissioner to Singapore, Ms Joanne Tyndall; NZ High Commissioner to…

This evening Dame Patsy and Sir David held a reception for the 2018 Rhodes Scholarship finalists. The eight finalists, Joel Bateman, Mattea Mrkusic, Rosie Collins, James Ranstead, Johann Go, Michelle Huang, Lucy McLean and Isobel Campbell, will be…