The Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, is to support the New Zealand team at the 30th Olympiad in London.
While in London from 26-31 July, the Governor-General and Lady Janine Mateparae will attend the Opening Ceremony and meet New Zealand athletes at a number of events.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the Kiwi athletes as they take on the world’s best at the London Olympics. It’s an honour to provide high-level support to our athletes as Patron of the New Zealand Olympic Committee,” Sir Jerry Mateparae said.
“It’s also a great opportunity to reaffirm the strong ties between New Zealand and Britain as it celebrates both hosting the Games and the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State of both the United Kingdom and New Zealand.”
Sir Jerry and Lady Janine Mateparae will attend the NZOC Governor-General’s Dinner at the Banqueting Hall on 26 July where the New Zealand flag bearer will be announced. On 27 July they will attend a reception hosted by The Queen for visiting Heads of State and Governors-General before attending the Opening Ceremony.
In the following days, Sir Jerry and Lady Janine Mateparae will visit the Athlete’s Village and attend the swimming, rowing, tennis, equestrian, and hockey events. Sir Jerry is Patron of Hockey New Zealand and Rowing New Zealand. They will also attend a Reception at New Zealand House on 30 July organised by the New Zealand High Commission, and the Governor-General will host a Breakfast for Athletes’ Families at Kiwi House on 31 July.
While the Governor-General is overseas, Chief Justice, Rt Hon Dame Sian Elias, will serve as Administrator of the Government.
Media opportunities:
- Sir Jerry Mateparae will be available to be interviewed by New Zealand media at New Zealand House on 27 July at 2pm. Media wanting to participate should RSVP to MFAT Senior Communications Adviser Nicky Grant on +64-21-827-917
- Media are invited the Champagne Breakfast for Athletes’ Families to be hosted by the Governor-General at Kiwi House, 1 Granary Square, London, starting at 8.30am on 31 July. Media wanting to attend should RSVP to NZOC Communications Manager Ashley Abbott on +64-21-552-021
For more information, contact Antony Paltridge, Public Affairs Manager, Government House on 021 470 583 (before July 13) or Rebekah Clement, Public Affairs Adviser, on 021 243 7958 (after July 13).