The Governor-General's role includes several functions:
- Constitutional
- appointing the government after an election
- giving Royal Assent to legislation
- presiding over the Executive Council
- appointing key public officials and accepting diplomatic credentials
- Ceremonial
- holding investiture ceremonies
- conferring honours
- welcoming Heads of State to New Zealand
- Community leadership
- supporting Vice-regal patronages
- attending significant community events
- visiting the regions of New Zealand
- International
- representing New Zealand at important international ceremonies
- undertaking state visits