Lord 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

Year: 
1904 - 1910

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

  • Governor-General's New Year Message
    Sir Jerry Mateparae issues his 1st New Year message - watch the video
  • State Opening of Parliament
    Governor-General announces the Government's plans
  • Speaker-elect confirmation ceremony
    Dr Smith confirmed as Speaker of the House
  • Appointment of the new Government
    The Governor-General appoints the new Government
  • Queen's Diamond Jubilee Emblem
    New emblem to mark the Diamond Jubilee
  • Rugby World Cup
    Message from the Queen of New Zealand on the All Blacks' victory
  • State Swearing-in of Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae
    A Government House short film
  • Royal NZ Navy 70th Anniversary
    The Governor-General hosted and attended associated events
  • New Zealand Gallantry Awards
    Government House has today issued a special honours list
  • One year on from the 4 September 2010 Canterbury earthquake
    Governor-General issues a message
  • Swearing in ceremony
    Sir Jerry Mateparae to become NZ's 20th Governor-General
  • Sir Paul Reeves
    New Zealand's first Governor-General of Maori descent dies
  • Visit by King George Tupou V of Tonga
    The Governor-General hosted a State Welcome for the King of Tonga
  • Māori King visits Government House
    The King plants a tree to mark the visit
  • Matariki
    The Governor-General's 2011 Matariki Message
  • 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
    Governor-General issues his message for 2011
  • Pike River Mine Tragedy
    World leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
  • Governor-General visits Canterbury
    A visit to support and encourage those affected by the earthquake
  • New Year Message
    Governor-General issues his message for 2010
  • Governor-General's 2009 New Year Message
    New Zealanders urged to volunteer