The Role of the Governor-General

The Governor-General is a symbol of New Zealand's national unity and leadership, with the holder of the Office fulfilling important constitutional, ceremonial and community leadership roles.

The Governor-General is appointed on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of New Zealand to serve as the personal representative of the Head of State, Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand.

New Zealand's Head of State is non-partisan and is not involved in the "business" of government, which is the responsibility of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.  This arrangement is best described by the saying that "while the Sovereign reigns, the Government rules."

New Zealand is a constitutional democracy and neither the Governor-General nor the Queen takes an active or initiating role in the executive functions of Government. By convention the Head of State almost always acts on the advice of Ministers of the Crown.