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Dame Patsy hosted credentials ceremonies for the diplomatic envoys from Russia, the Netherlands, Ireland, Pakistan and Laos at Government House in Wellington. Morning ceremonies Afternoon ceremonies   an image of Professor Piri Sciascia greeting HE Mr…

Comgratulations to the 45 young women who received their Queen's Guide awards at Government House at the weekend. Well done and best of luck for the future. Queen's Guide Award photos Image of the Queen's Guide award presentation in front of the portrait…

Dame Patsy and Sir David visited Rocket Lab in Auckland and it was just as cool as you'd imagine. Rocket Lab founder Peter Beck gave Their Excellencies an overview of the company's mission to open access to space to improve life on earth, and took them on…

Dame Patsy and Sir David welcomed the President of the Republic of Poland, HE Andrzej Duda and Agata Kornhauser-Duda at Government House in Auckland. Wet weather meant the planned ceremonial welcome had to be curtailed but the Presidential couple were…

Last night, Scottish Country Dancing enthusiasts came from around New Zealand to attend a ball to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the New Zealand branch of the Scottish Country Dancing Society. Speech transcript  

Dame Patsy and Sir David's first day in Whanganui began with a powhiri at Putiki marae which was followed by Dame Tariana Turia's investiture. The day finished with a visit to Glassworks and a chance to play with glassmaking techniques Powhiri  Dame…

The second day of the Whanganui visit started with a trip to the Gonville Community Library to meet the Gonville knitting group. Dame Patsy also read a story to a group of pre-schoolers. Pacific Helmets is celebrating 40 years of manufacturing top quality…

The theme of the day was aviation as Dame Patsy and Sir David officially opened the  New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy then headed to Ohakea for a welcome at RNZAF Turangawaewae and then a tour of No 14 and No 3 Squadrons New Zealand …

Our thanks to the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame for forwarding images from the Gala Dinner on 27 July, which acknowledged New Zealanders who have made outstanding contributions to New Zealand business: Tony Nightingale, Alan Gibbs, James Dilworth,…

The whakatauki "Manaakitia te tangata ahakoa ko wai, ahakoa no hea" (Take care of others, no matter who they are, no matter where they come from) sums up the kaupapa of Home and Family Counselling, who have looking after the needs of individuals, couples…

Staff and dancers past and present were invited to Government House to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Displays of costumes and other memorabilia and a birthday cake addded to the party atmosphere.  Image of Dame Patsy,…

Yesterday's engagements affirmed the theme of renewal and transformation so evident during this visit to Otautahi/Christchurch. The official opening of the new hall and classrooms at Linwood North School was cause for celebration  for the pupils, staff,…

The Governor-General's visit to Canterbury this week has a theme of transformation and renewal. Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere) catchment was a perfect place to begin, to see what is being achieved by the partnership between Ngai Tahu, ECAN and scientists…

Yesterday 79 recruits of Wing 316 at the Police College graduated . As Patron of that Wing, Dame Patsy was delighted to congratulate the graduates and present them with their identity cards. We wish them all the very best as they begin their careers in…

We were delighted to welcome students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students this morning for a tour of Government House. Their visit to Wellington follows several days in Christchurch where they were hosted by members of the Student Army.…

It was a day of celebration for 31 young women as they received their Queen's Guide and Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards at Government House in Auckland on Saturday. Fiona Harnett, GirlGuiding NZ's National President did the honours handing out the awards,…

This afternoon we were delighted to host a group of young student leaders from around New Zealand who are meeting in Otaki to discuss Future Leadership, as a way to celebrate the 75th Otaki Scholar to come to New Zealand. The 75th Scholar is Cameron…

One of the most popular features at Government House is the collection of carved armorial bearings that hang in the hall. Every Governor-General from 1910 onwards, the date the House was built, is represented. Sculptor Paul Deans has carved for armorial…

Yesterday Dame Patsy and Sir David had an audience with Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. Image of HM The Queen meets Dame Patsy and Sir David Image of Dame Patsy and HM The Queen

This loaf is one of Dame Patsy's favourites. The image shows it served both baked and steamed with savoy cabbage, artichoke puree, roast pumpkin and artichoke chips but it goes well with anything. Image of Chestnut and Parsnip Loaf, Ingredients, 1 Tbsp…

On Friday Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias, acting in her role as Administrator of the Government in Dame Patsy's absence, attended a reception to mark the change of command of the Defence Force. She thanked the outgoing Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant…

This is based on a traditional Persian stew called Fesejan, which is usually made with poultry braised in a walnut and pomegranate sauce. This vegetarian version of the sauce is served with roasted sumac and chilli spiced butternut squash, toasted bulgur…

As Prior of St John New Zealand, Dame Patsy presided at an investiture ceremony for 31 postulants at St Patrick's Cathedral in Auckland on Saturday. Image Gallery

In the Matariki spirit of imparting knowledge and extending hospitality, last night we were joined by STEM students from around Wellington to hear from astronomer Hari Mogosanu. Her wideranging talk included everything from the relationship between earth…

This morning,Dame Patsy hosted the 2018 Pukaki Scholars for morning tea at Government House. Pukaki was an 18th century Maori warrior, who was a Rangatira of the Ngati Whakaue iwi of Te Arawa in the Rotorua district. An image of the famous carving of…

New Zealand Down Syndrome Association celebrated their annual awards with a high tea at Government House. Performer and TV show host Lily Harper; powerlifting champ and artist Josh Cooke and leader and advocate Caroline Quick received National Achievement…

This morning bad weather forced us to shift the powhiri and inspection of the Guard of Honour for our Credentials ceremony from the South Lawn  into the ballroom. Dame Patsy received the credentials of HE Mr Ta Van Thong, the Ambassador of the Socialist…

The sun shone for the presentation of 10 Queen's Scout Awards and 3 Duke of Edinburgh International Gold Awards on Saturday 9 June at Government House in Auckland. Friends and famly heard from each Scout about what they've learned from their Scouting…

Tonight, Cabaret Government House-style featured Wyn Davies, Musical Director of Opera New Zealand and special guest Natasha Wilson, who is currently appearing in the touring production of  The Elixir of Love . The guests at tonight's fundraiser for Opera…

The Zonta Club of Wellington's Science Award recognises excellence in science and supports further study by an outstanding woman in her early stages of her career. In New Zealand, female representation in STEM subjects falls to around 29 percent at PhD…

an image of Dr Rhian Salmon Dr Rhian Salmon was guest speaker at the Zonta Science Awards last night. Her speech was  inspiring, informative and pertinent and deserves to be shared. Kia ora The Zonta science award is about celebrating women in science.…

Image of lentil soup in a bowl Head chef Simon Peacock says it's soup season and we have to agree. This is one he made earlier this week - parsnip, black lentil and fresh chestnut soup. Seriously yum! Lentils are brilliant in soups, being nutritious,tasty…