The Governor-General’s Three Roles

Sir Jerry and Lady Janine Mateparae
 
Their Excellencies attend hundreds of functions throughout New Zealand each year.

The Governor-General has three overlapping roles-the constitutional, the ceremonial and the community leadership roles.

Constitutional:

The Governor-General's constitutional role is to maintain the legitimacy and continuity of government by ensuring there is always a government in office with a democratic mandate to govern.   Legitimacy is the foundation of civil peace and the order that is maintained by the rule of law.

Some of the Governor-General's constitutional roles include signing the writ that dissolves Parliament before a general election is held and formally requesting the leader of the political party with support of a majority in the House of Representatives to form a government. 

The Governor-General's formal title includes the phrase "Commander-in-Chief in and over New Zealand" but he or she does not play an active role in military matters.

Ceremonial:

The Governor-General represents all New Zealanders at important public ceremonies.  These include opening new sessions of Parliament, welcoming visiting Heads of State, receiving the credentials of ambassadors and high commissioners and attending Waitangi Day and Anzac Day commemorations.  Increasingly, at the request of the Prime Minister, Governors-General have represented New Zealand internationally; undertaking state visits to enhance relations between New Zealand and other countries as well as attending important ceremonies overseas.

The Governor-General also holds investiture ceremonies where New Zealand honours are conferred.  These ceremonies are an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of New Zealanders in fields as diverse as sport, science, business, education, the law, and public and community service. 

Community Leadership:

The Governor-General provides non-partisan community leadership.  The Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Janine Mateparae are the patrons of many charitable, service, sporting, cultural and community organisations.  This follows the tradition of royal patronage established in the United Kingdom, although the practice of granting Royal Warrants and Royal Charters has not been continued in New Zealand.

Many of the Governor-General's community functions also have a ceremonial dimension, such as officially opening new buildings, schools and other facilities, addresses to open or close conferences, presenting awards, or launching special events and appeals.

The Governor-General's community role takes up a great deal of time.  During most years, the Governor-General will attend several hundred functions at Government House or throughout the country.   During regular regional visits, the Governor-General meets and talks with New Zealanders from all walks of life.

Her MajestyQueen Elizabeth II became New Zealand's Queen on 6 February 1952. To mark her Diamond Jubilee, a special section of the Governor-General's website has been created.
Find out more.

Features

  • Open to view - credentials ceremonies
    Watch the video of a credentials ceremony at Government House
  • Western Bay of Plenty regional visit
    The Governor-General makes his first official visit.
  • Open Days
    Government House opens its doors to mark the Diamond Jubilee
  • Christchurch and Canterbury Earthquake Anniversary
    The Governor-General's Programme
  • Waitangi Celebrations 2012
    The Governor-General's first Waitangi Day Programme
  • 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
  • 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