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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…

My greetings to our distinguished guests, and men and women of our Defence Force. I specifically acknowledge Lieutenant General Tim Keating, current Chief of Defence Force, and Mrs Brenda Keating Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short, soon to be Chief of Defence…

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…

Kei aku nui, tae atu ki te hunga taiohi, nau mai, haere mai. Haere mai tatau i te wā o Matariki nei, me Puanga. Nā rātau te ki, ” No runga ngā mea papai katoa “. No reira, Haere mai tatau. Titiro whakarunga. Greetings to you all tonight, and especially to…

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…

Rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, warm greetings to you all. I specifically acknowledge: Shelley Waters and Zandra Vaccarino, President…

    E nga mana, e nga reo, e nga iwi o te motu e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa. I specifically acknowledge Deputy Prime Minister the Rt Hon Winston Peters Minister of Primary Industries Hon Damien O’Connor Minister of…

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…

Rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai ra ki Te Whare Kawana o Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Warm greetings to you all, and welcome to Government House Wellington. Thank you all for coming this…

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…

Rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa. Distinguished guests, warm greetings to you all. I specifically acknowledge: Ministers of the Crown Hon Peeni Henare and Hon Ron Mark ; former Governor-General, Sir…

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-…