The governor-general of New Zealand is the representative of the monarch of New Zealand, currently King Charles III. As the King is concurrently the monarch of 14 other Commonwealth realms and lives in the United Kingdom, he, on the advice of his New Zealand prime minister, appoints a governor-general to carry out his constitutional and ceremonial duties within the Realm of New Zealand.
Sir Keith Holyoake, a former prime minister, was a controversial choice as Governor-General.
Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy (right) takes the affirmation after being sworn in by the Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias, on 28 September 2016
Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae performs a hongi with the Prime Minister at his swearing-in ceremony outside parliament, 31 August 2011
Cindy Kiro
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Dame Alcyion Cynthia Kiro ; née Simpson; born 1958) is a New Zealand public-health academic, administrator, and advocate, who has served as the 22nd governor-general of New Zealand since 21 October 2021. Kiro is the first Māori woman and the third person of Māori descent to hold the office.
Kiro showing Queen Elizabeth II her insignia of Companion of the Queen's Service Order during a virtual private audience, 19 October 2021
Kiro appointing Kieran McAnulty as a member of the Executive Council at Government House, Wellington, 14 June 2022
Kiro signing the book of condolence for Queen Elizabeth II at Lancaster House, 16 September 2022