Silvia Cartwright facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dame Silvia Cartwright
ONZ PCNZM DBE QSO DStJ
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|---|---|
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| 18th Governor-General of New Zealand | |
| In office 4 April 2001 – 4 August 2006 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Helen Clark |
| Preceded by | Sir Michael Hardie Boys |
| Succeeded by | Sir Anand Satyanand |
| 3rd Chief District Court judge | |
| In office 1989–1993 |
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| Preceded by | Peter Trapski |
| Succeeded by | Ron Young |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Silvia Rose Poulter
7 November 1943 Dunedin, New Zealand |
| Spouse | |
| Alma mater | University of Otago |
Dame Silvia Rose Cartwright (born 7 November 1943) is a New Zealand lawyer and judge. She made history as the 18th Governor-General of New Zealand, serving from 2001 to 2006. She was the second woman to hold this important role in New Zealand.
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Early life and education
Silvia Cartwright grew up in New Zealand. She went to Otago Girls' High School. Later, she studied at the University of Otago, where she earned her law degree in 1967.
A career in public service
Legal achievements
Silvia Cartwright broke new ground for women in law. In 1989, she became the first female Chief District Court Judge. This meant she was the main judge for many local courts. Then, in 1993, she was the first woman to be appointed to the High Court. This is one of the most important courts in New Zealand.
In 1988, she led a big investigation called the Cartwright Inquiry. This inquiry looked into how women were treated for cervical cancer at a hospital in Auckland. Her work helped make healthcare safer and better for women.
Silvia Cartwright also worked with the United Nations. She was part of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. She helped write an important document that aims to stop unfair treatment against women around the world.
To honour her work, the Auckland Women Lawyers' Association started a special lecture series in her name in 2007.
Governor-General of New Zealand
Silvia Cartwright served as the Governor-General of New Zealand from April 4, 2001, to August 4, 2006. The Governor-General is the Queen's representative in New Zealand. This role involves many duties, like opening Parliament and signing laws.
During her time as Governor-General, she sometimes shared her opinions on important topics. For example, in 2002, she spoke about a law that allowed parents to use "reasonable force" to discipline children. She believed this law should be changed. Some people agreed with her, while others thought she should not comment on such matters.
She also spoke about crime and punishment. She wondered if very long prison sentences always helped reduce crime. These comments also led to discussions among politicians and the public.
On Waitangi Day in 2004, she gave a speech that offered a different way of understanding a famous Māori saying, "He iwi tahi tatou" (We are one people). This showed her thoughtful approach to national issues.
After the 2005 election, there was some debate about how the new government was formed. One politician, Gerry Brownlee, felt that Dame Silvia had not given his party enough chance to form a government. However, the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, said that Dame Silvia followed all the correct rules.
Honours and awards
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Dame Silvia has received many awards for her service to New Zealand. In 1989, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her work helping women.
She also received the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal and the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal in 1993. In 2001, she was given the title of Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. She also received the Queen's Service Order when she left her role as Governor-General in 2006.
In 2022, she was appointed an additional Member of the Order of New Zealand, which is a very high honour.
She is also an Honorary Member of The International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation. This group works to promote peace and understanding. She is also a fellow of the Hastings Center, which studies difficult questions about life and health.
Personal life
In 1969, Silvia married a lawyer named Peter John Cartwright. He passed away in 2019.
Images for kids
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A carved panel showing the honours of Dame Silvia Cartwright at Government House.
See also
In Spanish: Silvia Cartwright para niños
