The Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann
This "acting Governor-General" is known as the Administrator of the Government.
First in line of succession is the Chief Justice, followed by the next most senior member of the New Zealand judiciary.
The Letters Patent provide for an order of succession if:
- the Office of Governor-General is vacant
- the Governor-General is incapacitated
- the Governor-General is outside the country
- the Governor-General is unable to perform her duties.
The Administrator is required to take an oath similar to the Governor-General and may exercise all of the powers of the Governor-General.