Governor-General of New Zealand facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Governor-General of New Zealand
Flag of the governor-general
Badge
Incumbent Cindy Kiro since 21 October 2021
Viceregal
Style	Her Excellency The Right Honourable
Residence	Government House, Wellington Government House, Auckland
Seat	Wellington, New Zealand
Appointer	Monarch of New Zealand on the advice of the prime minister
Term length	At His Majesty's pleasure (usually 5 years by constitutional convention)
Constituting instrument	Letters Patent 1983
Formation	3 May 1841
First holder	William Hobson as Governor of New Zealand
Salary	NZ$440,000 annually
Website	Governor-General of New Zealand

The governor-general of New Zealand (Māori: Te kāwana tianara o Aotearoa) is the King's representative in New Zealand. Currently, this is King Charles III. Since the King lives in the United Kingdom and is also the monarch of 14 other Commonwealth realms, he chooses a governor-general. This person carries out his important duties in New Zealand.

Governors-general usually serve for five years. They officially serve "at the monarch's pleasure", meaning the King can extend or end their term. The current governor-general is Dame Cindy Kiro, who started on 21 October 2021. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet helps the governor-general with their work.

The governor-general has several important jobs. They lead the Executive Council, appoint ministers and judges, and approve new laws. They also call and end sessions of the parliament. These duties are almost always done with the advice of the elected government. The governor-general also has a big ceremonial role. They host events at Government House and travel around New Zealand. They open conferences, attend special events, and encourage people who help their communities.

The role started in 1839 when New Zealand was part of the Colony of New South Wales. It became its own colony in 1840 with its own governor. The title "governor-general" began in 1917. The job is now set out in the Letters Patent of 1983. This document calls the role "the Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Realm of New Zealand". At first, the governor represented both the British monarch and the British government. Over time, especially after the Statute of Westminster 1931 was adopted in 1947, the governor-general became the independent representative of the New Zealand monarch. In 1972, Sir Denis Blundell was the first New Zealander living in New Zealand to get the job. When travelling overseas, the governor-general represents New Zealand. Some people see them as the de facto (in practice) head of state, even though the Constitution Act 1986 says the monarch is New Zealand's official head of state.

Choosing the Governor-General

The King of New Zealand appoints the governor-general. He does this only on the recommendation of the prime minister. This appointment is made official with a document called the "Terms of Appointment".

In 1930, a new rule was agreed upon: the governor-general should be appointed based on the advice of the New Zealand Government. However, a New Zealand prime minister didn't directly use this right until 1967. That's when Sir Arthur Porritt, the first New Zealand-born governor-general, was appointed. The next governor-general, Sir Denis Blundell, was the first New Zealander born and living in New Zealand to hold the role. Today, the prime minister signs the appointment document. This shows that the prime minister is responsible for advising the King on who to appoint.

Sometimes, the prime minister's advice comes from a Cabinet decision. But this isn't always required. Since 1980, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet creates a list of possible candidates. The leader of the Opposition is usually asked for their opinion, but this hasn't always happened.

Keith Holyoake, a former prime minister, was a controversial choice as Governor-General.

Only once has a prime minister's choice caused public debate. In 1977, Sir Keith Holyoake, a former prime minister, was appointed. The Leader of the Opposition, Bill Rowling, said he wasn't consulted. He suggested Sir Edmund Hillary instead. Many people thought it was wrong to give the job to a former political leader. Despite this, Holyoake did his job fairly. Since then, the prime minister is supposed to talk with the leader of the opposition. This helps avoid political arguments. The decision is kept secret until both the New Zealand Government and Buckingham Palace announce it.

Since 1980, many lawyers and judges have become governors-general. After the introduction of MMP (Mixed-member proportional representation) in 1996, understanding constitutional law became very important for the job. Sir Michael Hardie Boys, a retired judge, was the first governor-general to oversee an MMP election. He was appointed in 1995 after all party leaders in parliament were told, to ensure wide support. Now, other party leaders are usually only told shortly before the announcement.

Sometimes, people wonder if a member of the royal family might become governor-general. In 2004, a politician asked if Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, the Queen's son, had been considered.

The Swearing-in Ceremony

Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy (right) takes the affirmation after being sworn in by the Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias, on 28 September 2016

Before the governor-general starts their job, their appointment document is read aloud. This happens in front of the chief justice and members of the Executive Council. Then, the chief justice or another High Court judge gives the governor-general an oath (or promise) of loyalty and an oath of office.

Ideas for Electing the Governor-General

Sometimes, people suggest that the governor-general should be elected. In 1852, an early version of the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 included a plan for parliament to elect the governor. But this idea was removed. Later, in 1887 and 1889, Sir George Grey, a former premier, tried to pass bills to make the governor an elected position. Both attempts failed.

In 2006, a political writer suggested that parliament could elect the governor-general with a 60 percent majority. He argued that New Zealanders should choose the King's representative. However, some experts disagreed. They said that an elected governor-general might become a political rival to the prime minister. Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands already choose their governors-general this way.

In 2008, a group supporting a New Zealand republic suggested electing the governor-general as a step towards becoming a republic. In 2010, when a new law about the governor-general was being discussed, a Green Party MP suggested parliament should recommend the next governor-general to the Queen, with a three-quarters majority vote.

How Long They Serve

The governor-general holds office "at His Majesty's pleasure". This means the King can decide how long they stay. Usually, a person serves for at least five years, but this can be extended. The "Terms of Appointment" document sets out their expected time in office. For example, Dame Silvia Cartwright's term was extended by four months. This was because the prime minister wanted to avoid choosing a new governor-general during the election period.

When the Office is Empty

If the governor-general resigns, dies, becomes unable to work, or leaves New Zealand, the job becomes empty. When this happens, the chief justice (currently Helen Winkelmann) becomes the administrator of the Government. They perform the governor-general's duties. The administrator must also take an oath. If the chief justice is not available, the next most senior judge takes on the role.

Ending a Governor-General's Term

The prime minister can advise the King to dismiss (remove) the governor-general. No New Zealand governor-general has ever been dismissed this way. It's not clear how quickly the King would act on such advice. Some experts disagree on whether the King would follow the advice at all, or if they would delay it. Others believe the King would have to follow the prime minister's advice immediately, as long as the prime minister has the support of parliament.

Critics say this power creates a flaw in New Zealand's system. They argue it gives both the governor-general and the prime minister the power to dismiss each other. They also say it's made worse because the King and his representatives prefer not to get involved in politics.

Three governors of New Zealand were removed in the 1800s: William Hobson, Robert FitzRoy, and Sir George Grey. They were all removed on the advice of the British government, before New Zealand had its own responsible government.

What the Governor-General Does

The governor-general's jobs can be split into three main areas: constitutional, ceremonial, and community. By tradition, the governor-general stays "above party politics". They are not involved in the daily decisions of the government.

Constitutional Role

Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae performs a hongi with the Prime Minister at his swearing-in ceremony outside parliament, 31 August 2011

The Constitution Act 1986 says the governor-general is the King's representative in New Zealand. The King's royal powers, including special "reserve powers", are given to the governor-general. All the King's executive power in New Zealand (except appointing the governor-general) is given to the governor-general by the Letters Patent 1983.

The governor-general is the official chief executive. However, their powers are very limited in practice. Most political power is used by the New Zealand Parliament (the Governor-General-in-Parliament and the House of Representatives). This power is exercised through the prime minister and Cabinet. The governor-general uses their powers almost always on the formal advice of the prime minister and other ministers. Ministers are responsible to the elected House of Representatives and the people. The governor-general can only refuse to follow ministerial advice if the prime minister loses the support of the House of Representatives. Even when appointing a prime minister, the governor-general usually appoints the person most likely to have parliament's support. This is usually the leader of the largest party.

Role in Government

Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy presides over the swearing in of the new Sixth Labour Government on 26 October 2017

The governor-general appoints and removes Cabinet ministers. But they only do this on the prime minister's advice. So, the prime minister controls who is in the Cabinet. In theory, the governor-general could remove a prime minister on their own. But tradition prevents this.

The governor-general leads, but is not a member of, the Executive Council of New Zealand. This Council includes all ministers. It meets to make Cabinet decisions legal. Its main job is to formally advise the governor-general to issue Orders in Council. These orders create rules or appointments under the authority of "the Governor-General in Council".

The governor-general also keeps the Seal of New Zealand. This seal is used for all official documents of the New Zealand Government.

Role in Parliament

Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae reads a speech from the throne at the opening of parliament, 2011

The governor-general calls and ends sessions of the New Zealand Parliament. Each parliamentary session starts with the governor-general's call. The new session begins with the 'opening of parliament'. During this, the governor-general gives the 'Speech from the Throne'. This speech outlines the government's plans for new laws. Ending a parliamentary term is called dissolving parliament. This leads to a general election for all seats in the House of Representatives. These powers are almost always used on the prime minister's advice. The prime minister also decides the election date. The governor-general could, in theory, refuse to dissolve parliament. But it's not clear when this would be allowed. It might happen if a minority government had only been in power for a short time and another party seemed likely to gain support.

Before a bill (a proposed law) can become law, it needs the Royal Assent. The governor-general acts for the King and grants Royal Assent. This makes the bill a law. By modern tradition, Royal Assent is always given. Laws come into effect when the governor-general signs the bill.

Special Powers

The governor-general acts on the prime minister's advice, unless the prime minister has lost the support of parliament. These are called 'reserve powers'. They include the power to:

End or suspend parliament.
Appoint or remove the prime minister.
Refuse a prime minister's request to end parliament.
Refuse to approve new laws.

How these powers are used is often debated. Some experts believe the governor-general cannot refuse to approve laws. Former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer says refusing Royal Assent would cause a major constitutional crisis. Other experts believe the governor-general can refuse in very rare cases, like if democracy was being abolished. The Parliamentary Library notes that due to tradition, the power to refuse approval is rarely used.

The governor-general's use of these special powers cannot be challenged in court. This is unlike the actions of other government members.

Power to Grant Mercy

The governor-general also has the royal prerogative of mercy. This is an old right for convicted people to ask for their case to be reviewed if they believe an injustice happened. This can be used if someone claims they were wrongly convicted or sentenced.

The governor-general acts on the advice of the minister of justice. The governor-general can grant a pardon, send a case back to court, or reduce a person's sentence. If a case is sent back to court, the court reviews it like an appeal. The court then advises the governor-general on what to do. For example, in 2000, David Bain's case was sent back to the Court of Appeal.

Ceremonial Role

Governor-General Sir Michael Hardie Boys receives US President Bill Clinton at Government House, Wellington, 11 September 1999

Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy and her husband Sir David Gascoigne with Governor-General of Australia David Hurley and Linda Hurley in 2021

Since most of their constitutional duties are done with government advice, the governor-general focuses a lot on their representative and ceremonial role. They host the King or his family, as well as foreign leaders. They also represent New Zealand on state visits to other countries. At least once during their term, the governor-general visits other parts of the Realm of New Zealand. These include Niue, the Cook Islands, Tokelau, and the Ross Dependency. The governor-general also issues the credentials for New Zealand ambassadors and consuls.

More and more, the governor-general is treated like a head of state. This is especially true when they visit other nations or host foreign leaders. Before 1975, the Queen signed treaties for New Zealand. After that, the Queen gave the governor-general the power to sign such documents.

The governor-general is also the official commander-in-chief of the Defence Force. This means they technically issue commands for troops. However, they only act on the advice of the minister of defence and other ministers. In practice, this is a ceremonial role. The governor-general sees troops off to duty, welcomes them back, and visits military bases for ceremonies.

Community Role

The governor-general provides leadership in the community. They are often patrons (supporters) of many charities, sports groups, and cultural organisations. When the governor-general supports an organisation, it shows that the group deserves wide support. This follows a tradition of royal support. Some governors and their spouses even started new charities. For example, in the early 1900s, Lord Plunket and his wife helped create the Plunket Society. The governor-general has also had a long connection with the Order of St John.

Many of the governor-general's community events are ceremonial. These include opening buildings, speaking at conferences, or launching special events. The governor-general attends state dinners and receptions. They also host state visits, meet groups, and award medals and decorations. They host many community events at Government House, Wellington, like a garden party for Waitangi Day. The official website says over 15,000 people attend such events each year.

Since 2009, the governor-general gives a New Year's Message. This message highlights issues New Zealanders might think about for the future.

Salary and Benefits

Government House, Wellington, the primary residence of the governor-general

The official vehicle of Government House in 2010, a Jaguar XJ8. During official travel it is the only vehicle in the country not required to use standard number plates.

Cost

The New Zealand Government pays for the governor-general's expenses. This costs about NZ$4.3 million each year. Some groups have different figures, but this is the general amount.

Salary

As of 2024, the governor-general's yearly salary is NZ$440,000. Since 2010, this salary is subject to income tax. The Governor-General Act 2010 now sets the salary.

Homes and Staff

The governor-general's main home is Government House, Wellington. There is also a smaller home in Government House, Auckland. The Wellington house was closed for a major renovation from 2008 to 2011. In 2012, Prince Charles opened a visitor centre there.

The governor-general has staff to help with their duties. This staff is managed by an official secretary. All staff members are public servants within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Transport

Since the 1960s, the New Zealand Government provides an official state car for the governor-general's official travel. This car is also used for other state officials and visiting leaders. The governor-general's official car has a special emblem of St Edward's Crown instead of regular number plates. The current official car is a BMW 7 Series.

Symbols

Military personnel holding the governor-general's flag. This flag was first flown on 5 June 2008.

The governor-general's flag can be flown from their car or from a building where they are present. This flag was adopted in 2008. It is a blue flag with the shield of the New Zealand coat of arms and a crown in the middle. It is more important than the national flag. The national flag is usually used when the governor-general travels overseas. The national flag is also flown at half-mast when a current or former governor-general dies.

The flag's design, with the shield and crown, matches the badge of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Only the King and the governor-general can wear this badge.

A special musical greeting, called a viceregal salute, is played for the governor-general. It uses the first six bars of "God Save the King".

Titles and Rank

In the New Zealand order of precedence, the governor-general is ranked highest, after the King. The governor-general and their spouse are called "His/Her Excellency" while in office. The governor-general can use the title "The Right Honourable" for life after leaving office. Since 2006, former living governors-general can use "the Honourable" if they don't already have a higher title.

The governor-general also holds titles like Chancellor of the New Zealand Order of Merit and Principal Companion of the King's Service Order. They are also titled Sir or Dame.

Official Clothing

Lord Islington in the traditional ceremonial uniform

The governor-general has a special ceremonial uniform. It is a dark navy coat with silver embroidery and buttons, worn with trousers, a sword, and a special hat with feathers. There is also a white version for hot weather.

This uniform has not been used much since the 1980s. This started when Sir Paul Reeves, who was a priest, chose not to wear a military uniform. The traditional uniform was seen as a reminder of colonial times. Now, the governor-general usually wears a black suit for men or a formal day dress for women. They might wear a military uniform if they are already allowed to. The less formal version of the uniform is still sometimes worn, for example, when visiting military bases.

History of the Role

Early Governors

Document appointing William Hobson as Lieutenant Governor of New Zealand in 1839

William Hobson, first Governor of New Zealand

From 1832, James Busby was the official British representative in New Zealand. He helped write the Treaty of Waitangi, which started British rule. Captain William Hobson was appointed lieutenant-governor of New Zealand in 1840. At that time, New Zealand was part of the colony of New South Wales. Hobson is often seen as the first governor of New Zealand. However, Sir George Gipps was the first governor over New Zealand, as he was the governor of New South Wales. New Zealand became its own colony in 1841. Hobson stayed in office until he died in 1842.

Captain Robert FitzRoy replaced Hobson. FitzRoy found it hard to keep peace between Māori and settlers who wanted to buy land. He had very few resources. When the New Zealand Wars began, FitzRoy supported Māori claims over land deals. This led to his removal in 1845.

Sir George Grey, twice Governor of New Zealand and later Premier

Hercules Robinson, 1st Baron Rosmead Proclamation as Governor (1879)

FitzRoy's replacement, Sir George Grey, is considered a very important governor. Grey was the last governor of New Zealand to act without needing parliament's approval. During his first term (1845–1852), Grey asked the British Parliament to change the New Zealand Constitution Act 1846. He wrote his own constitution bill, which became the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852. Grey's first term ended before "responsible government" began. But he did set up the first provinces.

The job of overseeing the move to responsible government went to Robert Wynyard. He was the administrator of the Government. Wynyard opened the 1st New Zealand Parliament in 1854. Parliament quickly demanded the power to choose ministers themselves. Wynyard refused, saying the British government hadn't mentioned responsible government. He offered to add some elected members to the Executive Council, which worked for a short time. But parliament again demanded full power to appoint ministers. Wynyard refused and temporarily closed parliament.

The next governor, Sir Thomas Gore Browne, arrived in 1855. During his time, responsible government was introduced. This limited the governor's powers, as they now had to work with a premier and their ministers. Gore Browne and Premier Edward Stafford disagreed over who controlled Māori affairs. Stafford started the practice of the Cabinet meeting without the Executive Council. This further reduced the governor's influence. Sir George Grey returned to New Zealand in 1861 for a second term. Grey struggled to balance the demands of the colonial and British governments. He was eventually removed in 1868.

After Grey, New Zealand's governors were mostly from the British aristocracy. They played a much smaller role in government. Only a few times did a governor refuse the premier's advice. One famous example happened when Sir Arthur Gordon was governor. While he was away, Premier John Hall advised the Chief Justice to order the invasion of the Māori pacifist village at Parihaka. The Governor had been against this action.

Governors-General

British Representatives

In 1907, New Zealand became a dominion. This led to new rules in 1917 that reduced the governor's powers. To show these changes, the job was renamed governor-general. Arthur Foljambe, 2nd Earl of Liverpool, who was the governor, became the first governor-general.

In 1926, a meeting of Commonwealth countries agreed that British dominions were free and equal. This was called the Balfour Declaration. It meant the governor-general became a regal position with all the King's theoretical powers. New Zealand officially adopted this in 1947.

Even before 1947, the governor-general's role in representing the British government slowly decreased. For example, from 1939, the high commissioner of the United Kingdom to New Zealand became the main British diplomat in New Zealand.

In 1945, New Zealand Prime Minister Peter Fraser suggested that Sir Bernard Freyberg, a British-born commander of New Zealand's forces, be appointed governor-general. Until 1967, the British government usually chose the governor-general after talking with the New Zealand prime minister.

New Zealand Citizens

Dame Catherine Tizard, the first female governor-general, appointed in 1990

In the 1960s, the British government strongly suggested that the New Zealand prime minister and the King should appoint the governor-general. A poll found that 43 percent of New Zealanders preferred Britons for the role, while 41 percent preferred New Zealanders.

In 1967, Sir Arthur Porritt, the first New Zealand-born governor-general, was appointed. This was on the advice of Prime Minister Keith Holyoake. He was followed by Sir Denis Blundell in 1972, who was the first governor-general living full-time in New Zealand. Appointing New Zealand citizens raised concerns that the governor-general might become too involved in politics. This was especially true with the appointment of former prime minister Sir Keith Holyoake in 1977. Despite this, Holyoake was seen as fair.

In 1983, new letters patent were issued. These further reduced the office's powers. The New Zealand prime minister signed these new letters, showing that the office was now truly "New Zealand's own". The governor-general now led the "Realm of New Zealand" instead of the "Dominion of New Zealand".

After a political event in 1984, the 1852 Constitution Act was replaced by the Constitution Act 1986. This further limited the governor-general's powers. For example, they have much less power to refuse to approve new laws.

With the office becoming more New Zealand-focused, there was an expectation that the people in the role would represent all New Zealanders. Since then, a more diverse group of governors-general have been appointed. Sir Paul Reeves (1985–90) was the first Māori governor-general. Dame Catherine Tizard (1990–96) was the first woman. Sir Anand Satyanand (2006–11) was the first of Indian and Pasifika descent, and the first Roman Catholic.

New Zealand Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy (front row, leftmost) joins the Queen, other heads of state and heads of government at a D-Day commemoration in the United Kingdom on 4 June 2019. The governor-general often represents New Zealand at gatherings of national leaders.

Since the late 1900s, the governor-general has taken on more of the head of state's duties. This includes travelling overseas, representing New Zealand at big international events, and promoting New Zealand's interests abroad. The first such visit was in 1989 for the funeral of the Japanese emperor. New Zealand governors-general could not make state visits until 1992. That year, the King of Spain invited Dame Catherine Tizard for a State Visit. The King's advisors said Elizabeth II could not travel as Queen of New Zealand. As a compromise, it was agreed that governors-general could accept state visit invitations. But it had to be clear they were the King's representative.

Governor-General designate Dame Cindy Kiro holds a virtual meeting with the Queen in 2021

Changes to the office are usually discussed when people talk about New Zealand becoming a republic. Some politicians believe the role of governor-general might need to change further. Others argue that the role just needs to be updated.

Some experts worried that changes to the election system (MMP) could give the governor-general more political power. In 1993, then Governor-General Dame Catherine Tizard suggested that under MMP, the governor-general might need to use their special powers more often. This is because MMP elections often don't result in one party having a clear majority. This would require the governor-general to choose a leader to form a government. After MMP was adopted, Prime Minister Jim Bolger suggested New Zealand might become a republic because the governor-general would have more influence. In 1996, Governor-General Sir Michael Hardie Boys explained how he would use his powers if election results were unclear. He said politicians must decide who would govern, and only after their public announcement would he appoint a prime minister.

In 2009, a review suggested changing the law about the governor-general's salary. The main change was that the governor-general would no longer be free from income tax. This change took effect for the next governor-general.

In 2020, a poll found that 32 percent of New Zealanders thought the governor-general was the head of state. Only 18 percent knew the Queen was New Zealand's head of state.