New Zealand's Governor-General

Government House has published a new booklet about the role of the Governor-General of New Zealand.

New Zealand's Governor-General briefly outlines the history and constitutional responsibilities of the Governor-General, and the international, ceremonial and community leadership activities of the Office.

It contains a short essay on that changing role of the Governor-General and information on New Zealand’s constitution, the Head of State’s constitutional role and the reserve powers.  There are also biographies of the current Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, and Lady Janine Mateparae, as well as a comprehensive list of former Governors and Governors-General.

The booklet also contains information about the New Zealand honours system and Government House in Wellington, Government House in Auckland and former Government Houses.  

You can either download a copy from the Government House website (3.8MB PDF) or contact the Public Affairs Team to request a copy.