On the evening of Thursday, 23 September 2021, the New Zealand Diplomatic Corps hosted a Farewell Reception for the Governor General, the Rt. Hon. Dame Patsy Reddy and Sir David Gascoigne, at the Wellington Club. Unfortunately, due to ill-health, Sir David Gascoigne was not able to attend this special event. The Rt. Hon. Dame Patsy Reddy was received at the ground floor of the Wellington Club by the Samoa High Commissioner and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, HE Mr Leasi Papali’i T Scanlan and Mrs Joyce Scanlan, and escorted to the Reception on Level 5 where she was received with a standing ovation by the Dip Corps and Guests. After introductory words by Mrs Joyce Scanlan, a welcome speech and special song were then delivered by the MC for the night, the Ambassador of Indonesia, HE Mr Tantowi Yahya.

The Governor General then addressed the audience, recalling the good times and happy memories shared with the Diplomatic Corps during her term. This was followed by the Dean’s speech for the Governor General, on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps. In his address, the Dean thanked the Governor General for her close and warm relationship with the Diplomatic Corps, during both joyous occasions and tragedy. The reality of the many uncertainties such as COVID-19 and Climate Change were also touched upon whilst also commending New Zealand on its response to the Corona Virus pandemic.

The Governor General (and Sir David Gascoigne) were then presented with gifts from the Diplomatic Corps by the Dean (HE Mr Leasi Papali’i T Scanlan) and the High Commissioner of Papua New Guinea, HE Brigadier General Francis Agwi.

Before the formalities concluded, a rendition of ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’ was sung by a group of Diplomatic Corps members including Ambassador of Indonesia (HE Mr Tantowi Yahya) and Mrs Joyce Scanlan who wrote the special lyrics for the occasion. The Governor General and Sir Gascoigne are expected to conclude their term at the end of September 2021.

The Dean's speech can be viewed here.