Lt. General Sir William Francis Drummond Jervois, GCMG, CB

Governor of New Zealand

1883 - 1889

Born in 1821, Sir William was regular army, commanding Woolich, Chatham, Alderney 1849-54 and Royal Engineers London Military District 1855.

Sir William was appointed assistant Inspector-General of Fortifications at the War Office in 1856. He became Secretary of the Royal Commission on Britain's Defences in 1859, making frequent visits to British colonies to inspect defences.

He became Governor of Straits Settlements (1875-77) and South Australia (1877-82) before taking up office in New Zealand. He was instrumental in planning and setting up coastal defences during his term as Governor.

Sir William died in 1897.

Biographical information courtesy of NZ Almanack

Visit the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography for more information

Year: 
1901

Queen Elizabeth II became New Zealand's Queen on 6 February 1952. To mark the Diamond Jubilee of her reign, a special section of the Governor-General's website has been established.

Find out more.

Features

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  • Governor-General's New Year Message
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  • Speaker-elect confirmation ceremony
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  • Appointment of the new Government
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  • Rugby World Cup
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  • State Swearing-in of Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae
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  • Royal NZ Navy 70th Anniversary
    The Governor-General hosted and attended associated events
  • New Zealand Gallantry Awards
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  • One year on from the 4 September 2010 Canterbury earthquake
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  • Swearing in ceremony
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  • Sir Paul Reeves
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  • Visit by King George Tupou V of Tonga
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  • Māori King visits Government House
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  • Matariki
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  • The Royal Wedding
    Sir Anand and Lady Susan attended the Royal Wedding on 29 April
  • ANZAC Day message
    The Governor-General's message for ANZAC Day commemorations
  • Government House Open Days
    Open Day details can be found here
  • The National Christchurch Memorial Service
    Details and photos are available here.
  • Christchurch Earthquake
    Governor-General offers the support of all New Zealanders
  • Canterbury earthquake
    World leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
  • Waitangi Day 2011
    Sir Anand Satyanand's last Waitangi Day as Governor-General
  • New Year Message
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  • Pike River Mine Tragedy
    World leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
  • Governor-General visits Canterbury
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  • New Year Message
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  • Governor-General's 2009 New Year Message
    New Zealanders urged to volunteer