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Dame Patsy and Sir David visited the Auckland Festival Trust this afternoon. Like many events, the Auckland Arts Festival 2020 was affected by the March lock down, with the final few performances of the festival cancelled. Dame Patsy heard how the Trust…

Dame Patsy and Sir David met the team behind the team when they visited the offices of the New Zealand Olympic Committee in Auckland today. The 22 staff members are responsible for every facet of organisation for New Zealand's Olympic and Commonwealth…

Dame Patsy and Sir David are in Auckland for most of this week. Their first visit was to Tourism New Zealand for a chat with CEO Stephen England-Hall and GM NZ and Government Relations Billie Hall about how the organisation has turned its focus from…

As patron of the Te Papa Foundation, Dame Patsy and Sir David  were the first guest through the doors at Te Papa Tongarewa after being closed for the longest time in its 22 year history. They weren’t the only ones eager to have a visit, many patrons were…

Last night's dinner for officials leading New Zealand's response to COVID-19 was an opportunity to test out Government House's hospitality protocols under Level Two. Small dinners and lunches have a limited number of guests, who use hand sanitiser and…

While many New Zealanders worked from home where possible during alert level 4 COVID-19 restrictions, some needed to leave their bubble to ensure a small bit of essential normality took place for our households. A large group of essential workers were…

With the sudden alert level 4 announcement, schools had to react quickly to shift learning from the classroom to an online environment. Dame Patsy paid a visit to Government House’s neighbour, Wellington College, to see how the staff and students managed…

This evening Dame Patsy hosted government officials who have been trusted leaders of New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They were particularly appropriate guests for the first dinner since lockdown began, and included Dr Ashley Bloomfield,…

On this AIDS Candlelight Memorial day, the COVID-19 virus is obliging us to gather in a virtual space  and reflect on the terrible toll of the HIV virus, which has been responsible for over 30 million deaths worldwide since the 1980s. This year, many of…

An educational resource for Years 6-9. New draft released 2019

Visitor Centre resource for years 6-9

Dame Patsy is patron of a wide range of charities and organisations. She has recently sent them letters of support, acknowledging that they are working in testing times and have had to adapt how they work in our communities. One such patronage is the…

He toi whakairo, he mana tangata: Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity. New Zealanders have turned to music, song and performance to connect with each other in these anxious times. From people joining their neighbours in driveways to…

Like other New Zealanders, Dame Patsy and Sir David were unable to attend public commemorations to mark Anzac Day 2020, due to the restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They joined thousands of fellow citizens across the country who chose…

E hoki ana aku mahara ki ō tātou tāngata, rātou i tū ki te pae o te ririkia ora ai te pae o te maungarongo. E whitu tekau mā rima tau te kaumatua o tēnei rau aroha.Kei wareware i a tātou.Tēnā tātou. 100 years ago, as New Zealanders observed their 5th…

Dame Patsy speaks about how proud she is of the country's response to the Covid-19 crisis and urges everyone to keep up the good work

Governor-General’s donations to charities The Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy, will be donating twenty percent of her salary over the next six months in support of a number of charities. Dame Patsy says she is making this move to show leadership and…

Media advisory on behalf of Dame Patsy Reddy, Governor-General of New Zealand, The Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy, will be donating twenty percent of her salary over the next six months in support of a number of charities. Dame Patsy says she is…

A guide to the precedence of constitutional office holders and others, to be followed at State and official functions. The order of precedence in New Zealand is used at many functions and events at Government House, such as State and Royal welcomes,…

Pou Pou Guests to Government House Wellington enter under a covered porte-cochère on the southern side of the House. The Taupaepae, or official entrance hall, is where guests arriving to see Their Excellencies are greeted. The two pou, or pillar facings,…

Image of a message from HM Queen Elizabeth II April 6 2020 The message reads: As people across New Zealand and the Commonwealth are experiencing unprecedented changes to their lives, concern for family and friends, and financial uncertainty, you are in my…

Message to HM Queen Elizabeth II to the people of New Zealand during the nationwide lockdown

Throne The Ballroom is the largest room in Government House Wellington. It is used for receptions, large formal dinners, concerts, investitures and other award ceremonies, and occasionally for formal balls. It is where the Prime Minister and his or her…