Michael Hardie Boys facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Michael Hardie Boys
GNZM GCMG QSO KStJ
|
|
|---|---|
Hardie Boys in 2001
|
|
| 17th Governor-General of New Zealand | |
| In office 21 March 1996 – 21 March 2001 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Jim Bolger Jenny Shipley Helen Clark |
| Preceded by | Dame Catherine Tizard |
| Succeeded by | Dame Silvia Cartwright |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 October 1931 Wellington, New Zealand |
| Died | 29 December 2023 (aged 92) |
| Spouse |
Mary Zohrab
(m. 1957) |
| Profession | Judge |
Sir Michael Hardie Boys (born 6 October 1931, died 29 December 2023) was an important New Zealander. He was a lawyer and a judge. From 1996 to 2001, he served as the Governor-General of New Zealand. This is the Queen's representative in New Zealand.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sir Michael Hardie Boys was born in 1931 in Wellington, New Zealand. His father, Reginald Hardie Boys, was also a judge. Michael went to Hataitai School and Wellington College.
He then studied at Victoria University College. In 1954, he earned degrees in Arts and Law. In 1957, he married Mary Zohrab. They had two sons and two daughters together.
Legal Career
Michael Hardie Boys became a lawyer. He worked in his father's law firm. He was involved with the Wellington District Law Society. He became its president in 1979. He also served on the council of the New Zealand Law Society.
In 1980, he became a judge of the High Court of New Zealand. This was the same court where his father had served. Later, in 1989, he was promoted to the Court of Appeal. He also became a Privy Counsellor. This is a special group of advisors to the British monarch.
In 1996, he received a high honour. He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George. This recognized his important work.
Governor-General of New Zealand
On 21 March 1996, Sir Michael Hardie Boys became the Governor-General of New Zealand. He was chosen by Queen Elizabeth II. The Prime Minister at the time, Jim Bolger, advised the Queen to appoint him.
His appointment was important because New Zealand was about to have its first MMP election. MMP stands for Mixed-member proportional. This is a new way of voting. Having a lawyer as Governor-General was seen as a good idea for this change.
In 1996, he received another special honour. He was the first person to be made a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He also became a Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem.
Sir Michael finished his term as Governor-General on 21 March 2001. After his term, both he and his wife, Lady Hardie Boys, were given the Queen's Service Order.
Retirement and Later Life
After retiring as Governor-General, Sir Michael continued to work. He served as a judge for the Kiribati Court of Appeal. Kiribati is a country in the Pacific Ocean.
He lived in Waikanae during his retirement. He also helped out at a local school. He assisted with their reading program.
In 2004, Sir Michael shared his thoughts on New Zealand's future. He said he was against New Zealand becoming a republic. A republic would mean New Zealand would no longer have the Queen as its head of state. He famously said, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Sir Michael Hardie Boys passed away on 29 December 2023. He was 92 years old.
Arms
 |
|
See also
In Spanish: Michael Hardie Boys para niños
