Sir Jerry Mateparae has been officially farewelled as the Governor-General of New Zealand.
A three hour farewell took place in parliament today to remember Mateparae’s five year reign.
A royal salute from members of the Defence Force heralded Mateparae’s departure. He and his wife were welcomed with a powhiri and a hongi.
Sir Jerry is a former military leader who joined the army in 1972 and rose through the ranks to become chief of the Defence Force.
In his farewell speech, Mateparae reflected on the 1821 days he’d been the Queen’s representative in New Zealand.
He said that “New Zealanders have shared with us their experiences – their triumphs, their tragedies, and their dreams.”
The new Governor General will be Dame Patsy Reddy. She will begin her five-year term on 14 September and will be New Zealand’s 21st Governor-General.
