A very special day

Jonathan's investiture ceremony was at government house in wellington on the 4 May and he was allowed 6 guests so we all got to go, children included plus the Chief Executive of Blind Citizens Association Rose who has worked so closely with Jonathan over the last few years. We went down the evening before and stayed at the Brentwood hotel - dinner at an indian restaurant in kilbirnie "Chili Peppers"

and then a fairly excited bunch of kids who did eventually get to sleep. Early thr next morning and everyone was dressed in their best. Amy had even had her fingernails and toenails done - and the kids all had some new items of clothing. we were a pretty spick and span group who arrived early enough to get a space in the Government house visitors parking area. Then on into the ballroom which was arranged in a very welcoming manner - each recipient had a table that would seat 7 with everyone able to face th front. Paintings of the Queen, magnificent chandeliers, lots of gold braided military personnel around, and we got the centre front table ( probably to ensure joanthan and the guide dog had an easy route to the dais). The refurbished Governmetn hosue was beautiful with lots of wonderful NZ wood panelling and carvings abounding.

Frightfully efficient organisation, lots of clipboards and name ticking plus precise instructions about where to stand and when. Jonathan got taken away to be officially welcomed into the room by the GG's official Kuia and then Dame Cindy Kiro and her husband Dr Richard Davies came in. The knighthood on Sir Rocert Gillies, the last remaining Maori Battalion member was conferred with the sword. He did well considering he must have been at least 96 or 97 years old - the old soldier was very straight and upright although needed a bit of a support when he knelt before the GG. Jonathan was third to go for this Officer of the NZ Order of Merit and brought a bit of a laugh when Force, the guide dog, forgot his dress rehearsal and sat himself between Jonathan and the GG when she went to clip his medal on. A very proud moment ( I didnt cry but I did wish his father had been there to see it).

After the presentations we were served High tea and there was plenty, on the traditional three tiered stands. Lovely sandwiches, savouries and little cakes and some nice figs and cheese. Bubbly was offered as well as a manuka honey flavoured sparkling water.

Each recipient and whanau went in for a private audience with Dame Cindy and her husband - delightful extra touch we didnt expect. she shook hands with each of us ( our youngest Cordelia went all shy and didnt shake) but the other kids were good.

After we were ushered out we were able to take a bit of a tour of the lower floor of governmetn house and some of the gifts in the glass cupboards were admired by the children... gold and silver items especially. We went into the State dining room with its specially embroidered chairs - one for each area of NZ.

The a quick change of clothes for our driver - Amy wanted out of her fancy clothes as fast as possible - and a very easy drive back through the new Transmission Gully motorway. What a memorable day for all of us. The photos are superb, so glad we were all dressed nicely. Hopefully i will get some of them framed. The children were playing it cool but they will remember the day I am sure.