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Home › Lord Plunket, GCMG, KCVOLord Plunket, GCMG, KCVO

Governor of New Zealand
1904 - 1910
Born in Ireland in 1864, Sir William Lee Plunket, 5th Baron, was the son of the 4th Baron who was Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland.
He joined the diplomatic service in 1889 but retired two years later to become private secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
He became Governor of New Zealand in 1904 and during his term was a grand master in the Irish constitution of Freemasons. He also took a great interest in the Order of St John and to this day Governors-General are priors of the order.
Lord Plunket is best remembered for his support of Truby-King's early work and gave his name to the Plunket Society. He also donated cricket's Plunket Shield.
Lord Plunket died in 1920.
Biographical information courtesy of NZ Almanack
Media resources
With the opening of the Government House Visitor Centre in November 2012, educational tours of Government House Wellington for schools and community groups are now being offered.
Features
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AIDS Candlelight MemorialMessage from the Governor-General
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South Canterbury and North Otago Regional Visit20-23 February: An overview
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Waitangi Day - 2013Governor-General and Lady Janine visit Waitangi and Auckland
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New Year Message 2013Governor-General issues his 2013 New Year message
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New Year Honours 2013New Zealanders recognised by The Queen of New Zealand
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Birthday cakeSecrets of Government House birthday cake revealed
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Diamond Jubilee visitRoyal couple to visit Auckland, Wellington, Manawatu and Christchurch
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Royal receptionPrince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall prepare for trip to downunder
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New Zealand's Governor-GeneralGovernment House publishes new booklet
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2012 London Olympic GamesThe Governor-General supports the NZ Olympic Team in London
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Diamond Jubilee messageThe Governor-General's Diamond Jubilee message
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Open to view - credentials ceremoniesWatch the video of a credentials ceremony at Government House
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Western Bay of Plenty regional visitThe Governor-General makes his first official visit.
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Open DaysGovernment House opens its doors to mark the Diamond Jubilee
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Christchurch and Canterbury Earthquake AnniversaryThe Governor-General's Programme
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Waitangi Celebrations 2012The Governor-General's first Waitangi Day Programme
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Governor-General's New Year MessageSir Jerry Mateparae issues his 1st New Year message - watch the video
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State Opening of ParliamentGovernor-General announces the Government's plans
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Speaker-elect confirmation ceremonyDr Smith confirmed as Speaker of the House
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Appointment of the new GovernmentThe Governor-General appoints the new Government
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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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Royal NZ Navy 70th AnniversaryThe Governor-General hosted and attended associated events
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New Zealand Gallantry AwardsGovernment House has today issued a special honours list
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One year on from the 4 September 2010 Canterbury earthquakeGovernor-General issues a message
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Swearing in ceremonySir Jerry Mateparae to become NZ's 20th Governor-General
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Sir Paul ReevesNew Zealand's first Governor-General of Maori descent dies
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Visit by King George Tupou V of TongaThe Governor-General hosted a State Welcome for the King of Tonga
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Māori King visits Government HouseThe King plants a tree to mark the visit
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MatarikiThe Governor-General's 2011 Matariki Message
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The Royal WeddingSir Anand and Lady Susan attended the Royal Wedding on 29 April
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ANZAC Day messageThe Governor-General's message for ANZAC Day commemorations
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The National Christchurch Memorial ServiceDetails and photos are available here.
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Christchurch EarthquakeGovernor-General offers the support of all New Zealanders
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Canterbury earthquakeWorld leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
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Waitangi Day 2011Sir Anand Satyanand's last Waitangi Day as Governor-General
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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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