Jerry Mateparae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Jerry Mateparae
GNZM QSO KStJ
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Official portrait, 2011
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| 20th Governor-General of New Zealand | |
| In office 31 August 2011 – 31 August 2016 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | John Key |
| Preceded by | Sir Anand Satyanand |
| Succeeded by | Dame Patsy Reddy |
| 27th High Commissioner of New Zealand to the United Kingdom | |
| In office 24 March 2017 – April 2020 |
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| Prime Minister | Bill English Jacinda Ardern |
| Preceded by | Lockwood Smith |
| Succeeded by | Bede Corry |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 November 1954 Whanganui, New Zealand |
| Spouses |
Raewynne McGhie
(m. 1973; died 1990)Janine Grenside |
| Children | 5 |
| Alma mater | Officer Cadet School, Portsea Staff College, Camberley Australian Defence College Royal College of Defence Studies University of Waikato |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | New Zealand |
| Branch/service | New Zealand Army |
| Years of service | 1972–2011 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands | Chief of Defence Force Chief of Army Land Command 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment New Zealand Special Air Service |
| Battles/wars | Operation Bel Isi Operation Warden |
Lieutenant General Sir Jeremiah Mateparae (born 14 November 1954) is a very important New Zealander. He was a brave soldier who became the leader of New Zealand's armed forces. From 2011 to 2016, he served as the 20th Governor-General of New Zealand. This is a special role, representing the Queen in New Zealand.
Sir Jerry Mateparae was the second Māori person to hold this high office. Before becoming Governor-General, he was the Chief of the Defence Force from 2006 to 2011. After his time as Governor-General, he worked as the high commissioner of New Zealand to the United Kingdom from 2017 to 2020.
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Early Life and Background
Sir Jerry Mateparae was born on 14 November 1954 in Whanganui, New Zealand. He was raised by his mother's brother in a Māori custom called whāngai, which is like an adoption within the family.
His family has strong links to the Rātana Church. He is connected to several Māori tribes, including Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Kahungunu. He also has family ties to Ngāi Tūhoe and tribes in the upper Whanganui area. He went to school in Whanganui, attending Castlecliff Primary School, Rutherford Intermediate School, and Wanganui High School.
Military Career Highlights
Sir Jerry Mateparae joined the New Zealand Army in June 1972 as a private soldier. He trained to become an officer and graduated from the Officer Cadet School, Portsea in Australia in 1976.
He served in different parts of the army, including the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and the New Zealand Special Air Service (SAS). He was a platoon commander in Singapore in 1979.
Peacekeeping Missions
Sir Jerry Mateparae took part in two important peacekeeping missions. From 1994 to 1995, he worked with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in Southern Lebanon. He was the Chief Observer there, helping to keep the peace.
In 1998, he commanded the Peace Monitoring Group on Bougainville during Operation Bel Isi. This mission helped bring peace to the island after a conflict.
Rising Through the Ranks
He was promoted to brigadier in 1999. From 1999 to 2001, he was the Joint Commander for New Zealand forces in East Timor, working with the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor.
In 2002, he became the Chief of Army, leading the New Zealand Army. Then, in 2006, he was promoted to lieutenant general and became the Chief of Defence Force. This is the highest military role in New Zealand, and he held it until 2011.
After his military career, Sir Jerry Mateparae briefly served as the Director of the Government Communications Security Bureau in 2011. This is a government agency that helps protect New Zealand's security.
Governor-General of New Zealand Role
On 8 March 2011, Prime Minister John Key announced that Sir Jerry Mateparae would be the next Governor-General of New Zealand. The Queen of New Zealand officially appointed him. He was sworn into office on 31 August 2011 for a five-year term.
As Governor-General, he represented the Queen and carried out important duties for New Zealand. These duties include opening Parliament, approving laws, and hosting important visitors.
Key Events as Governor-General
In 2012, Sir Jerry Mateparae hosted a special party for Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) on his 64th birthday. He also invited 64 New Zealanders who shared the same birthday.
In April 2013, he traveled to Afghanistan to mark the end of the New Zealand Defence Force's mission there. In June 2014, he attended the 70th anniversary of D Day in Normandy, France. He went with Queen Elizabeth II and other world leaders, taking New Zealand veterans with him to honor their service.
He also continued a tradition of releasing the Governor-General's New Year Message as a video, making it more accessible to people.
High Commissioner to the United Kingdom
After finishing his term as Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae took on another important role. In December 2016, it was announced that he would become New Zealand's next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He started this role in early 2017 and finished in April 2020. In this job, he represented New Zealand's interests in the United Kingdom.
Recent Activities
In September 2024, Sir Jerry Mateparae was chosen to help with important talks in Papua New Guinea. He is working as a moderator in negotiations between the central government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government. These talks are about Bougainville's planned independence in 2027. He visited Bougainville in November 2024 to meet with people involved in the discussions.
Personal Life
Sir Jerry Mateparae has five children. He had three children with his first wife, Raewynne, who passed away in 1990. He has two children with his second wife, Janine.
Awards and Recognition
| Viceregal styles of Sir Jerry Mateparae (2011–2016) |
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| Reference style | His Excellency Lieutenant General the Right Honourable |
| Spoken style | Your Excellency |
Sir Jerry Mateparae has achieved a Master of Arts degree with First Class Honours in international relations and strategic studies from the University of Waikato. He received a special award from the university in 2008.
He has received many honors for his service:
- In 1999, he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his work in Bougainville.
- In 2011, he was awarded the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) – Distinguished Service Order (Military) by the Singapore government.
- In June 2011, he became a Knight of Justice of the Order of St John.
- When he became Governor-General, he was appointed an Additional Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit and an Additional Companion of the Queen's Service Order. These are very high honors in New Zealand.
Honorary Degrees
Sir Jerry Mateparae has also received an honorary degree:
| Location | Date | School | Degree |
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 New Zealand |
12 May 2011 | Massey University | Doctor of Literature (D.Litt) |
Images for kids
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Sir Jerry Mateparae wearing his medals.
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See also
In Spanish: Jerry Mateparae para niños
