Search

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…

Dame Patsy spoke at the 2018 Blake Leader Awards in Auckland.  2018 Blake Leader Award speech Congratulations to the five new Blake Leaders - Peter Beck ,  Sandra Alofivae, Dr. Miles Gregory, Soana Pamaka and David Cameron and the first Blake Leader-…

Dame Patsy presented 10 Royal Humane Society of New Zealand silver medals for acts of bravery. Medal recipients included Zane Paki, who saved a man from a knife attack and Rory Clarke, who was one of a trip of doctors involved in rescuing the driver of a…

The Queen's Birthday 2018 Honours list has been released. Congratulations to all the New Zealanders who have been acknowledged for their contribution. Dame Patsy and Sir David are looking forward to welcoming all recipients to Government House to receive…

On Tuesday 29 May, Dame Patsy appeared on RNZ's Bookmarks with Jesse Mulligan. During the interview, Dame Patsy talked about her favourite books, movies and music and revealed the truth about her relationship with Helen Reddy, the Australian singer. (Clue…

It was a night of stories, laughter and memories tonight at Government House as past and present members of the Police National Dive Squad got together to celebrate 50 years of exceptional service to the people of New Zealand. The members of the squad…

Last Friday, Dame Patsy and Sir David helped mark a major milestone for Christchurch Girls High School with the official opening of the first major rebuild project since the school was extensively damaged by the Canterbury earthquakes. They were given a…

On Friday night Dame Patsy and Sir David joined in the annual celebration of excellence in Maori farming and agribusiness - the Ahuwhenua Awards dinner, this year held in Christchurch. The winning farm operation must not only be an example of efficient…

This morning Dame Patsy and Sir David visited the Police College to touch base with Wing 316 recruits, who are currently in their 7th week of training to become Police officers. Dame Patsy is Patron of Wing 316. The recruits range in age from 19 to 50.…

Many thanks to the Centre for Brain Research for the opportunity for Dame Patsy to speak at the dinner held at St Mathew-in-the-City in Auckland on 11 May, and for providing us with photos taken on the night. The Centre involves academics, clinicians,…

Receiving their insignia this morning were: Sir Herbert (John) Clarke, of Lower Hutt, KNZM, for services to Māori and heritage preservation Mr Richard Boast, of Wellington, ONZM, for services to the law and Māori Ms Rhana Devenport, of Auckland, ONZM, for…

Educator, treaty settlement adviser and Maori heritage protector Sir John Clarke was knighted at Government House this morning by Dame Patsy. The sixth and final investiture ceremony for this round included representatives from the worlds of the arts,…

Receiving their insignia this morning were: The Honourable Sir Douglas White, of Wellington, KNZM, for services to the judiciary Mr Graeme Wheeler, of Lower Hutt, CNZM, for services to the State Mr David Smol, of Wellington ,QSO, for services to the State…

Receiving their insignia during this special all-women ceremony to commemorate Suffrage 125 were: The Honourable Dame Annette King, DNZM, of Wellington, for services as a Member of Parliament Mrs Raewyn Fox, of Porirua, QSO, for services to family…

Congratulations to all 22 honour recipients at this morning's ceremony at Government House. They included The Hon Sir Douglas White, KNZM for services to the judiciary; former Reserve Bank Governor Graham Wheeler, CNZM; and broadcasters Philip Sherry,…

Suffrage 125 was commemorated at Government House this afternoon with a special investiture ceremony, celebrating the achievements of New Zealand women. Politician Dame Annette King received the insignia of her order alongside artists Julia Morison and…

Receiving their insignia in this ceremony were: The Honourable Peter Dunne, of Wellington, CNZM, for services as a Member of Parliament Mr Robert Fowler, of Auckland, QSO, for services to the community  Mr Donald Best, of Wellington, ONZM, for services to…

This morning's investiture recipients included Mr Randal Heke, whose role in the establishment of Scott Base in Antarctica in the 1950s was recognised with the award of the New Zealand Antarctic Medal. The Hon Peter Dunne received a CNZM for his services…

Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a reception for the Fred Hollows Foundation at Government House in Wellington. Guests heard about the highlights of the 25 years of the Foundation's work and heard from a panel of three experts about new initiatives around…

This morning's investiture ceremony from Government House in Wellington. Receiving their insignia were: Ms Cassia Coles (Joy Cowley), of Featherston, ONZ, for services to New Zealand Dr Garth Carnaby, of Lincoln, CNZM, for services to science and…