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Home › Earl of Ranfurly, GCMGEarl of Ranfurly, GCMG

Governor of New Zealand
1897 - 1904
Sir Uchter John Mark Knox Ranfurly, 5th Earl, was born in 1856 and educated at Harrow and Cambridge. He inherited his title in 1875.
He was Lord-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria from 1895-97 before taking up office in New Zealand. He threatened to resign because of salary reductions and had to subsidise his pay from private sources.
His name is best remembered for his donation of the Ranfurly Shield for interprovincial rugby.
He had a great interest in the Order of St John of Jerusalem and became Director of the Order's ambulance service from 1915-19. Legion of Honour for ambulance services in war. Deputy Lieutenant and JP County Tyrone.
He died in 1933.
Biographical information courtesy of NZ Almanack
Visit the National Library's Ranfurly Collection
Media resources
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Features
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Queen's Diamond Jubilee EmblemNew emblem to mark the Diamond Jubilee
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Rugby World CupMessage from the Queen of New Zealand on the All Blacks' victory
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State Swearing-in of Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry MateparaeA Government House short film
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The National Christchurch Memorial ServiceDetails and photos are available here.
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New Year MessageGovernor-General issues his message for 2011
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Pike River Mine TragedyWorld leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
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Governor-General visits CanterburyA visit to support and encourage those affected by the earthquake
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New Year MessageGovernor-General issues his message for 2010
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Governor-General's 2009 New Year MessageNew Zealanders urged to volunteer

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