Sir Paul Holmes investiture: Live coverage

Governor General  Sir Jerry Mateparae is this afternoon formally investing Paul Holmes as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM). Hawke's Bay Today reporter Morgan Tait and Photographer Paul Taylor are at the ceremony and are providing live updates.  PRESS Ctrl+F5 to update page regularly.

1pm: The sprawling Poukawa property of Sir Paul Holmes is looking impeccable as guests arrive for the official investiture ceremony, due to begin in an hour here at Mana Lodge. Lawns are manicured and adorned with marquees, while the Olive Tree cash crop and rolling hills paint a perfect backdrop.

1.05: Sir Paul and family welcoming guests who include Jenny Shipley, John Key and David Shearer

1.10: Guests continue to arrive and have photos taken with Sir Paul and family. Daughter Millie looks beautiful in a striped maxi dress, and son Reuban looks dashing in a suit.

1.15: Sir Paul addresses growing mob of media, and has photo with Hawke's Bay Today columnist Eva Bradley.

1:23: Sir Paul moves among the crowd as many people begin to gather for the investiture which begins at 2pm.

1:33pm: Sir Paul says his ground staff have spent two weeks getting Mana Lodge manicured for the event.  Its a warm day but not as hot as previous days which the thermometer hit 35C in Hawke's Bay.

1.27pm: Weather is overcast but pleasant at Mana Lodge, perfect photo conditions say HBT photographers  to capture the ceremony, which is one of only a few investitures that have not been held at Government House in Wellington.

1:33pm: Media are led by Government House officials into the marquee where Sir Paul will be formally knighted by Governor General  Sir Jerry Mateparae in about 30 minutes.

1:40pm:  Holmes is laughing with guests who continue to fill the pristine grounds. Music is playing and people are mingling, laughing and chatting before the ceremony due to begin in 20 minutes.

1.50pm: Guests are being directed to be seated in the marquee.

1.52pm: guests are now seated, and the sun has come out from behind the clouds with minutes to spare.

1.53pm: Neils Holm official secretary of Government House is welcoming guests to "dubbing of the sword"

1.57pm: Sir Paul and Lady Deborah are making their way from the house, across the grass and into the marquee.

1.58pm: The crowd is applauding as they reach the stage.

1.59pm: Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae has taken the podium and beginning the official investiture ceremony.

2.00pm: Sir Jerry is thanking Sir Paul and Lady Deborah for hosting the occasion today, and beginning his official speech

2:06pm:  The dubbing of the sword has officially marked veteran broadcaster, journalist and author Sir Paul Holmes' ascent into knighthood today.

2:07pm: Sir Jerry said the journalist had celebrated ``the colourful, the passionate and the expressive side of our national psyche'' throughout a long and varied career spanning print, radio and television.

`"You have asked hard questions of politicians, bureaucrats and celebrities. And you have told the stories of everyday New Zealanders as they celebrated the good times, and grieved in the sad times.

"As you said at the close of your nightly programme for 15 years: `Those were our people today, that's Holmes tonight.'

``Sir Paul, your achievements and commitment to your work as a broadcaster and supporter of community initiatives have brought us together here today.

`"Your legacy to New Zealand broadcasting, as a pioneer - in talkback radio, and in news and current affairs on television - is considerable. You are man of many talents, skills and endeavours whom we acknowledge and celebrate today.''
 

2:10pm: Crowd stands to sing the national anthem.

2.11pm:  Sir Paul and family leave for private family photos and guests invited to enjoy refreshments.

2:30pm: Sir Paul is about to meet media for a press conference in his lounge.

2:32pm: Sir Paul arrives in his lounge for a media conference.

2:55pm - With the press conference over, Sir Paul and Lady Holmes pose for photographers outside Mana Lodge.

3:00pm - After finishing with Sir Paul, media descend on Prime Minister John Key who has been relaxing with other guests.

3:13pm - Media leave.

ENDS