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Documentaries can help to open our minds and hearts to the experiences of others – deepening understanding, fostering empathy, and encouraging us to see the world from new perspectives.   Last week, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the opening night of…

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Sam Neill KNZM OBE.   Sir Sam was one of New Zealand’s great storytellers – admired here, across the Tasman, and around the world. Through his work and the way he carried himself, he reflected so many…

Tours take around 90 minutes and include the Visitor Centre, the main house and the garden (weather permitting). Tours explore the history of the house and the Governor-General’s role. Tours are free but places must be booked in advance. If you have any…

E mihi ana ki Te Kāhui o Matariki This week eyes across New Zealand will be raised to the Winter skies, watching for the reappearance of Matariki, signalling Te Tau Hou Māori, the Māori New Year. Known by many names to peoples across the world, the…

E nga rau rangatira mā, e huihui mai nei, i tēnei ahiahi, tenei aku mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. Nau mai haere mai ki Te Whare o te Kawana Tianara ki Whanganui-a-Tara.  I wish to specifically acknowledge Matua Joe McLeod, our renowned maramataka o nga hua…

Each year, Matariki offers a special opportunity to open Government House and bring people together in the spirit of reflection, connection, and renewal.   With an icy Wellington southerly howling outside, Government House was filled with the warmth of…

The Homosexual Law Reform Act of 1986 marked a turning point in New Zealand’s history. It followed years of courage, advocacy, and struggle by those who fought for dignity, safety, and equal treatment under the law. Yesterday afternoon, Dame Cindy hosted…

This morning at Government House Wellington, Dame Cindy received a call from Justine Daw, Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive of Royal Society Te Apārangi.   The Royal Society plays an important role in advancing research, scholarship, and the pursuit of…

E ngā rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui mai nei i tēnei wā, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai rā ki Te Whare o te Kawana Tinara o Te Whanganui-a-Tara. I wish to begin by specifically acknowledging: Dame Fran Wilde, Mayor…

NURSES The New Zealand Nurses Memorial Fund (Inc.) Can We Help You? The New Zealand Nurses’ Memorial Fund Inc. is a benevolent fund which has given financial assistance to nurses in hardship since 1917 and continues to do so today. The Fund was founded as…

This afternoon Dame Cindy welcomed three further new heads of mission to Government House in Wellington, receiving their credentials and marking the start of their mandates: HE Mr Benedikt Höskuldsson, Ambassador of Iceland; HE Mr Edward Pérez Reyes,…

Throughout the year, the Governor-General welcomes new foreign ambassadors and high commissioners to the country in a ceremony with a distinctively New Zealand character. Following a cultural welcome by members of the New Zealand Defence Force, heads of…

E ngā rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui mai nei i tēnei wā, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai rā ki Te Whare o te Kawana Tinara o Te Whanganui-a-Tara. I would like to begin by specifically acknowledging:, The Honourable…

On yet another wet and windy evening in Wellington, Dame Cindy hosted a reception to acknowledge all those who have been instrumental in keeping our region safe throughout the recent severe weather events. Guests included mayors from around the Wellington…

The Governor-General and her part in the election process The Governor-General has an important part to play in the stages of the election process. Remember that these are not political actions - she is not a politician. The things the Governor-General…

Teachers who are planning a visit to Government House may wish to use the following resource to help prepare their trip: Visiting Government House. A social script for a student on a class visit - We can supply this social script in word format, so you…

On Saturday, Dame Cindy joined the Niuean community in Christchurch to mark the 125 th anniversary of Niue being part of the realm of New Zealand. This constitutional relationship has been the foundation of the strong friendship shared between Niue and…

Fakaalofa lahi atu kia mutolu oti – my warmest Pacific greetings to you all. I thank you for the warm welcome extended to me today. It is a privilege to be included in your celebrations. I would like to begin by specifically acknowledging:, The Honourable…

On Saturday afternoon, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended a plaque unveiling at the historic Christchurch Club. Club members planted a scarlet oak to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, in tribute to His Majesty’s lifelong…

E nga rau rangatira ma, E kui mā, e koro mā, e Huihui mai nei I tenei ra, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa. I would like to begin by acknowledging Tim Rookes, President of the Christchurch Club, for the warm welcome here today. I am…

E ngā rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui mai nei i tēnei wā, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai rā ki Te Whare o te Kāwana Tianara o Tāmaki Makaurau. I would like to begin by specifically acknowledging:, Judge James…