Governor-General of New Zealand
Viceroy
Incumbent: Anand Satyanand
Style:	His Excellency The Honourable
Appointed by:	Elizabeth II as Queen of New Zealand
First viceroy:	William Hobson
Formation:	3 May 1841

New Zealand

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of New Zealand

Constitution Executive (The Crown) Sovereign (Queen Elizabeth II) Governor General of New Zealand (Anand Satyanand) Executive Council Cabinet Prime Minister (Rt Hon Helen Clark) Ministries Government of New Zealand Legislative (Parliament) Statute of Westminster 1931 Current Parliament (48th) House of Representatives Speaker of the House (Margaret Wilson) Official Opposition Leader of the Opposition (John Key) Referendums Elections Parliamentary constituencies Electoral system Electoral reform Last election (2005) Judicial Supreme Court Chief Justice (Sian Elias) Courts of Appeal High Court District Courts Environment Court Māori Land Court Regions and territories Realm of New Zealand Territorial authorities of New Zealand North Island South Island Stewart Island/Rakiura Chatham Islands General Regions Political culture Foreign relations New Zealand's nuclear-free zone Comparison of Australian and New Zealand governments Political movements

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The Governor-General of New Zealand (Māori: Te Kawana Tianara o Aotearoa) is the representative of the Sovereign in right of New Zealand (currently, Queen Elizabeth II). Anand "Satch" Satyanand, PCNZM, QSO (born 22 July 1944) is the Governor-General of New Zealand. Excellency is a Honorific style given to certain members of an organization or state The prefix The Honourable or The Honorable (abbreviated to " The Hon For the ship see RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Context States headed by Elizabeth II TalkCommonewalth realm.--> New Zealand A viceroy is a royal official who governs a country or province in the name of and as representative of the Monarch. Captain William Hobson RN ( 26 September 1792 – 10 September 1842) was the first Governor of New Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João For the game see 1841 (board game. Year 1841 ( MDCCCXLI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island The politics of New Zealand takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic Monarchy. The constitution of New Zealand consists of a collection of statutes ( Acts of Parliament) Treaties Orders-in-Council, Letters patent, decisions of the In Political science and Constitutional law, the executive is the branch of government responsible for the day-to-day management of the State. Throughout the Commonwealth realms The Crown is an abstract metonymic concept which represents the legal authority for the existence of any government TalkCommonewalth realm.--> New Zealand For the ship see RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Context States headed by Elizabeth II The Governor-General of New Zealand (Te Kawana Tianara o Aotearoa is the representative of the Sovereign in right of New Zealand (currently Queen Anand "Satch" Satyanand, PCNZM, QSO (born 22 July 1944) is the Governor-General of New Zealand. The Executive Council of New Zealand is the body which legally serves the functions of the Cabinet. The New Zealand Cabinet functions as the policy and decision-making body of the Executive branch within the New Zealand government system The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's Head of government consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in Helen Elizabeth Clark (born 26 February 1950 is the 37th and current Prime Minister of New Zealand. The politics of New Zealand takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic Monarchy. The politics of New Zealand takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic Monarchy. A legislature is a type of representative Deliberative assembly with the power to create amend and change Laws The law created by a legislature is called Legislation The Parliament of New Zealand consists of the Queen of New Zealand and the New Zealand House of Representatives and until 1951 the New Zealand Legislative Council The Statute of Westminster 1931 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (22 & 23 Geo The 48th New Zealand Parliament was a term of the Parliament of New Zealand. The New Zealand House of Representatives is the Legislature of New Zealand. In New Zealand the Speaker of the House of Representatives is the individual who chairs the country's legislative body the New Zealand House of Representatives Margaret Wilson (born 20 May 1947) a New Zealand politician currently serves as Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives. The Official Opposition in New Zealand is usually the largest Political party or coalition which is not a member of the ruling Government. The Leader of the Opposition in New Zealand is the politician who at least in theory commands the support of the non-government bloc of members in the New Zealand John Phillip Key (born 9 August 1961) is a New Zealand politician and member of the New Zealand House of Representatives, representing Referendums (or referenda) are held only occasionally by the government of New Zealand. Members of New Zealand 's House of Representatives, commonly called " Parliament " normally gain their parliamentary seats through nationwide general In New Zealand, an electorate is a voting district for Parliamentary elections In 1993 New Zealand adopted Mixed member proportional as its electoral system for the House of Representatives after many years of First-past-the-post Electoral Reform in New Zealand has in recent years become a political issue as major changes have been made to both Parliamentary and local government elections The 2005 New Zealand general election took place on 17 September 2005 and determined the composition of the 48th New Zealand Parliament. In Law, the judiciary or judicial system is the system of Courts which administer Justice in the name of the sovereign or State The Supreme Court of New Zealand is the highest court in the land and the Court of last resort in New Zealand, having formally come into existence at the beginning The Chief Justice of New Zealand is the head of the New Zealand judiciary and presides over the Supreme Court of New Zealand. Dame Sian Seerpoohi Elias, GNZM, QC (born March 13 1949) is the Chief Justice of New Zealand, and is therefore the most The Court of Appeal of New Zealand, located in Wellington, is New Zealand ’s principal intermediate Appellate court. The High Court of New Zealand was established in 1841 and known as the Supreme Court until 1980 The District Courts of New Zealand ( Māori: Ngā Kōti ā Rōhe) are low-level Trial courts in New Zealand. The Environment Court of New Zealand ( Māori: Te Kooti Taiao o Aotearoa) is a specialist court for environmental issues within the court system of New The Māori Land Court ( Māori: Te Kooti Whenua Māori) is the specialist court in New Zealand that hears matters relating to Māori land The region is the top tier of Local government in New Zealand. The Realm of New Zealand is the territory in which the Queen in right of New Zealand is head of state Territorial authorities are the second tier of Local government in New Zealand, below regional councils. The North Island is one of the two main islands of New Zealand, the other being the South Island. The South Island is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand, the other being the more populous North Island. The Archipelago of the Chatham Islands ( Rekohu in the Moriori language and Wharekauri in the Māori language) is a territory The region is the top tier of Local government in New Zealand. The politics of New Zealand takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic Monarchy. The foreign relations of New Zealand are oriented chiefly toward developed democratic nations and emerging Pacific economies In 1984, Prime Minister David Lange barred nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed ships from using New Zealand ports or entering New Zealand waters There are a great many similarities between Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand national politics feature a pervasive Party system. Information on politics by country is available for every Country, including both De jure and De facto independent The term governor general or governor-general refers to a vice-regal representative of a Monarch in an independent realm or a major colonial circonscription New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island TalkCommonewalth realm.--> New Zealand For the ship see RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Context States headed by Elizabeth II The Governor-General acts as the Queen's vice-regal representative in New Zealand and is often viewed as the de facto head of state^[1][2][3]. A viceroy is a royal official who governs a country or province in the name of and as representative of the Monarch. A De facto head of state is a term used to an office-holder who fulfils some many or all of the functions of a Head of state.

The Constitution Act 1986 provides that a "The Governor-General appointed by the Sovereign is the Sovereign's representative in New Zealand. The Constitution Act 1986 is the principal formal statement of New Zealand's Constitution. " There is no specific term, but by convention the Governor-General usually serves for approximately five years. The office's full title is: The Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief in and over New Zealand.

The functions and roles of the Governor-General are set out in letters patent issued in 1983 constituting the office of the Governor-General, and include appointing ministers and judges, dissolving Parliament, granting assent to legislation, issuing writs for elections and bestowing honours. Letters patent are a type of Legal instrument in the form of an Open letter issued by a Monarch or Government, granting an office right The granting of Royal Assent is the formal method by which a constitutional monarch completes the legislative process of Lawmaking by formally assenting to an All the Governor-General's duties are carried out in the name of The Queen. Beyond constitutional functions, the Governor-General has an important ceremonial role. He or she travels widely throughout New Zealand to open conferences, attend services and commemorations. When travelling abroad, the Governor-General is seen as the representative of New Zealand, and of the Queen of New Zealand, and is treated as a head of state in most ways.

The current Governor-General is Anand Satyanand, who was sworn in on 23 August 2006 replacing Dame Silvia Cartwright. Anand "Satch" Satyanand, PCNZM, QSO (born 22 July 1944) is the Governor-General of New Zealand. Events 79 - Mount Vesuvius begins stirring on the feast day of Vulcan the Roman god of fire Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Dame Silvia Rose Cartwright, PCNZM, DBE, QSO ( née Poulter (born November 7 1943) was New Zealand 's second

Administrative support for the Governor-General is provided by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of New Zealand (often known by its acronym DPMC) is the department charged with supporting the Prime Minister

Appointment

Appointment to the Office is made by the Queen (in her capacity as Queen of New Zealand) on the advice of the Prime Minister to the Queen. The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's Head of government consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in The Prime Minister's advice is usually the result of a decision by Cabinet; hence the appointment of the Governor-General is made by the executive of the Government of the day. By convention the Leader of the Opposition is also consulted on the appointment. The Leader of the Opposition in New Zealand is the politician who at least in theory commands the support of the non-government bloc of members in the New Zealand

Constitutional convention adopted in 1930 following the Imperial Conference held that year allowed for the appointment of the Governor-General to be made upon the advice and recommendation of the New Zealand Government. Imperial Conferences ( Colonial Conferences before 1911 were gatherings of British Empire government leaders in London in 1887, 1897 However, the right granted by the convention was not exercised directly by a New Zealand Prime Minister until 1967^[4].

Although non-partisan while in office, there have been a number of appointments of Governors-General to the office that have attracted considerable controversy. In 1977 Sir Keith Holyoake, a former National Party Prime Minister and then sitting Minister of State was controversially appointed as Governor-General, and in 1990 Dame Catherine Tizard, a former Labour Mayor of Auckland and former wife of Labour Deputy Prime Minister Bob Tizard, was appointed to the role. Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Sir Keith Jacka Holyoake, KG, GCMG, CH, QSO, KStJ ( 11 February 1904 - 8 December 1983 The New Zealand National Party ("National" or "the Nats" currently forms the second-largest (in terms of parliamentary seats Political party Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) Dame Catherine Anne Tizard, ONZ, GCMG, GCVO, DBE, QSO (née MacLean) (born April 4, 1931) was The Mayor of Auckland is the directly elected head of the Auckland City Council, the municipal government of Auckland City, New Zealand. The Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand is second most senior officer in the Government of New Zealand, although this seniority does not necessarily translate Robert (Bob James Tizard, CNZM (born 1924 is a former Labour politician from New Zealand, former Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, Despite their political backgrounds, neither of these appointments could be said to have discharged their duties in a partisan way. In 2004 National MP Richard Worth, an avowed monarchist, questioned whether the Government had considered that the Earl of Wessex be the next Governor-General. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The New Zealand National Party ("National" or "the Nats" currently forms the second-largest (in terms of parliamentary seats Political party Dr Richard Worth, OBE, VRD, OStJ (Born 1948) is a New Zealand politician Monarchism is the advocacy of the establishment preservation or restoration of a Monarchy as a Form of government in a nation

Swearing-in ceremony

Before the Governor-General enters office, his or her commission of appointment is publicly read in the presence of the Chief Justice of New Zealand (or any other High Court Judge) and the members of the Executive Council. The Chief Justice of New Zealand is the head of the New Zealand judiciary and presides over the Supreme Court of New Zealand. The Governor-General must take the Oath of Allegiance and the oath for the due execution of the office, which the Chief Justice or other High Court Judge administers. The New Zealand Oath of Allegiance is to defined by the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957.

Election proposals

From time to time, there have been proposals to elect the Governor-General. When first drafted, the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 contained provision for the Governor to be elected by New Zealand's Parliament. The New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 (15 & 16 Vict c 72 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom and was the second enactment to grant the colony of New This provision was removed from the final enactment however, probably because the Colonial Office wanted to keep a check on New Zealand's colonial government. In 1887 Sir George Grey, a former Governor and Premier, moved the Election of Governor Bill to make the office of Governor an elective position. For other men with a similar name see George Grey (disambiguation or George Gray Sir George Grey, KCB ( 14 April The Bill was narrowly defeated 46 - 48, being opposed by the government of Harry Atkinson ^[5]. Henry Albert Atkinson (Known as Harry 1 November 1831 - 28 June 1892) served as Premier of New Zealand on four separate

In 2006 political commentator Colin James suggested that the Governor-General could be elected ^[6] (or, more correctly, 'nominated' to the Queen) by a 60% majority of votes cast in Parliament. Colin James is a New Zealand political Journalist and commentator James argued that the New Zealand public should be given the ability to choose the Queen's representative, and that the current system is undemocratic and not transparent. Such a system is not unusual, the Governors-General of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands are nominated in such a way. The Governor-General of Papua New Guinea is the representative of Queen Elizabeth II, known in Tok Pisin as 'Missis Kwin' Papua New Guinea 's The Governor-General of the Solomon Islands is the De facto Head of State of the Solomon Islands, representing Queen Elizabeth II, who is styled Constitutional law specialist Professor Noel Cox, who is also the Chairman of the Monarchist League, criticised the proposal, claiming that "[g]iving the Governor-General a new and separate source of democratic legitimacy could result in a separation between Ministers and Governor-Generals. The Monarchist League of New Zealand Inc is an organisation formed in 1995 whose object is to support the retention of constitutional Monarchy in New Zealand . . . the Governor-Generals would have their own independent popular mandate, and become potential political rivals of the Ministers"^[7].

In February 2008, the Republican Movement suggested electing the Governor-General as an interim step to a republic, arguing "Electing the Governor-General allows for easier transition to a republic, because the populace is used to electing someone as a ceremonial de facto head of state. The Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand is a non-partisan organization formed in 1994 whose object is to support the creation of a Republic in New Zealand "^[8]

Tenure

The Governor-General holds office at the "pleasure" of the Queen, per clause II of the Letters Patent. At Her Majesty's pleasure ("His Majesty" when appropriate is a legal phrase that derives from the fact that the authority of the Law, including the courts It is traditional that an appointed individual act as the Queen's representative for a minimum of five years, but the New Zealand Prime Minister may advise the Queen to extend the Vice-Regal's tenure. For instance, Dame Silvia Cartwright would have been in office for five years on 4 April 2006, but her appointment as Governor-General was extended by the Queen on the advice of Prime Minister Helen Clark, who deemed that "that the selection and appointment process [should] not coincide with the pre-election period". Helen Elizabeth Clark (born 26 February 1950 is the 37th and current Prime Minister of New Zealand. ^[9]

Administrator of the Government

A vacancy will occur on the resignation, death, incapacity or absence from New Zealand territory of the Governor-General. In the absence of the Governor-General the Chief Justice acts as the Administrator of the Government, or simply Administrator in everyday usage. The Chief Justice of New Zealand is the head of the New Zealand judiciary and presides over the Supreme Court of New Zealand. An Administrator ( Administrator of the Government, Officer Administering the Government) in the constitutional practice of some countries in the Commonwealth

Prior to the granting of responsible government in 1856, the Colonial Secretary (the colonial equivalent of the Minister of Internal Affairs) acted as Administrator of the Government in absence of the Governor. The Colonial Secretary of New Zealand was an office established in 1840 and abolished in 1907

Dismissal

The Prime Minister may advise the Queen to "recall" the Governor-General, and (so long as the Prime Minister has the confidence of the House of Representatives) the Queen is bound by convention to implement the advice of her Prime Minister. As no New Zealand Governor-General has ever been dismissed on the advice of the Prime Minister, it is unclear how quickly the Queen would act on such advice.

Some constitutional lawyers dispute whether the Queen would implement such advice at all, while others argue that the Queen would delay its implementation. Others argue that the Queen would be obliged to follow the Prime Minister's advice, and further that the Queen would be bound to implement the Prime Minister's advice immediately^[10] if so advised.

Critics (usually supporters of a New Zealand republic) describe the ability of the Prime Minister to advise the Queen to recall the Governor-General as a flaw in New Zealand's constitutional make up that gives the Governor-General and the Prime Minister the ability to dismiss one another ^[11]. They argue that this flaw is exacerbated by the reluctance of the monarch or their representatives to become politically involved. Further, they argue that the flaw means the Governor-General is unable to act as the "constitutional backstop" (a term often used to describe the office), or - as was the case with the 1975 Whitlam dismissal in Australia - to resolve a deadlock the Governor-General may choose to dismiss an elected government despite it having the confidence of the parliament. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics.

Three New Zealand Governors have been recalled from office - William Hobson (who died before he was officially recalled), Captain Robert FitzRoy and Sir George Grey, all before responsible government was granted in 1853. Captain William Hobson RN ( 26 September 1792 – 10 September 1842) was the first Governor of New Vice-Admiral Robert FitzRoy ( 5 July 1805 – 30 April 1865) achieved lasting fame as the captain of HMS ''Beagle'' For other men with a similar name see George Grey (disambiguation or George Gray Sir George Grey, KCB ( 14 April

Political role

As New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy, the Governor-General's role is almost always limited to ceremonial and non-partisan functions. A constitutional monarchy, or a limited monarchy, is a form of Constitutional Government, wherein either an elected or hereditary Monarch is The Constitution Act 1986 provides that a "The Governor-General appointed by the Sovereign is the Sovereign's representative in New Zealand. The Constitution Act 1986 is the principal formal statement of New Zealand's Constitution. " The Governor-General exercises a number of the remaining Royal Prerogatives, and the reserve powers. The Royal Prerogative is a body of customary authority privilege and immunity recognised in Common law and sometimes in Civil law jurisdictions possessing a monarchy

In practice, political power is exercised by the Parliament of New Zealand (which is composed of the Crown, and the House of Representatives), and by the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Parliament of New Zealand consists of the Queen of New Zealand and the New Zealand House of Representatives and until 1951 the New Zealand Legislative Council TalkCommonewalth realm.--> New Zealand The New Zealand House of Representatives is the Legislature of New Zealand. The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's Head of government consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in The New Zealand Cabinet functions as the policy and decision-making body of the Executive branch within the New Zealand government system By constitutional convention, the Governor-General exercises his or her powers solely on the advice of the Prime Minister and other ministers - the only exception being when the Prime Minister loses the confidence of parliament. Although the Queen of New Zealand is also Queen of the United Kingdom, as New Zealand is a sovereign nation the British Government cannot advise the Governor-General, or otherwise interfere in New Zealand affairs. The Queen does retain all executive power and her Royal Prerogative, but she has never personally intervened in New Zealand politics; almost all of her duties are exercised by the Governor-General, though she does alone hold the power to appoint and dismiss the Governor-General, she does so only on the advice of the New Zealand Prime Minister. The Royal Prerogative is a body of customary authority privilege and immunity recognised in Common law and sometimes in Civil law jurisdictions possessing a monarchy

The Governor-General is bound by constitutional convention to follow the advice of the Prime Minister in their exercise of their powers, so long as the Prime Minister enjoys the support of the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's Head of government consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in Even in the appointment of the Prime Minister, the Governor-General rarely exercises any discretion, in accordance with unwritten constitutional conventions, the Governor-General must appoint the individual most likely to maintain the support of the House of Representatives: usually, the leader of the largest party or coalition of parties which has a majority in the House of Representatives. The New Zealand House of Representatives is the Legislature of New Zealand.

The Governor-General is a symbolic and nominal chief executive, acting within the constraints of constitutional convention and precedent. Should the Governor-General of New Zealand attempt to exercise any powers without reference to constitutional convention and solely at personal discretion, the action would likely result in a constitutional crisis and in public outrage. Almost always, the Governor-General exercises the Royal Prerogative on the advice of the Prime Minister and other ministers. The Prime Minister and ministers are, in turn, accountable to the democratically elected House of Representatives, and through it, to the people.

The Governor-General appoints and dismisses Cabinet ministers and other ministers, but exercises such a function only on the Prime Minister's advice. Thus, in practice, the Prime Minister, and not the Governor-General, exercises complete control over the composition of the Cabinet. The Governor-General may, in theory, unilaterally dismiss a Prime Minister, but convention and precedent bar such an action.

Functions

Dame Silvia Cartwright, with HM Queen Elizabeth II of New Zealand

The Governor-General is the representative of the New Zealand monarch, and may exercise most powers vested in the Crown. If the monarch is present in New Zealand, however, he or she may exercise such powers personally. Furthermore, some powers (such as the power to appoint the next Governor-General, approve a new Royal Honour etc. The New Zealand Royal Honours system is the system of orders decorations and medals which are awarded to recognise achievements of or service by New Zealanders or others in connection ) may be exercised by the monarch alone.

The "powers conferred" on the Governor-General are stated in the Letters Patent 1983.

The Governor-General presides over an Executive Council. The Executive Council of New Zealand is the body which legally serves the functions of the Cabinet. The Prime Minister is appointed to this Council and advises as to which parliamentarians shall become ministers and parliamentary secretaries. A minister or a secretary is a Politician who holds significant public office in a national or regional Government. A Parliamentary Secretary is a member of a Parliament in the Westminster system who assists a more senior minister with their duties

The Executive Council's primary function is to issue Orders-in-Council (regulations), which operate under the authority of "the Governor-General in Council". An Order-in-Council is a type of legislation in Commonwealth Realms. This article is for the legal term For regulation of genes see Regulation of gene expression.

The Governor-General also summons, and dissolves Parliament. In Parliamentary systems a dissolution of parliament is the dispersal of a Legislature at the call of an Election. Each parliamentary session begins with the Governor-General's summons. The new parliamentary session is marked by the opening of Parliament, during which the Governor-General reads the Speech from the Throne in the Legislative Council Chamber, outlining the Government's legislative agenda. In the United Kingdom, the State Opening of Parliament is an annual event held usually in October or November that marks the commencement of a session of the Parliament The Legislative Council of New Zealand was the Upper house of the New Zealand Parliament from Dissolution ends a parliamentary term (which lasts a maximum of three years), and is followed by general elections for all seats in the House of Representatives. These powers, however, are always exercised on the Prime Minister's advice. The timing of a dissolution is affected by a variety of factors; the Prime Minister normally chooses the most politically opportune moment for his or her party. The Governor-General may theoretically refuse a dissolution, but the circumstances under which such an action would be warranted are unclear. It might be justified if a minority government had served only briefly and another party seemed likely to have better success in holding the confidence of the House.

Before a bill can become law, the Royal Assent (the monarch's approval) is required. Sir Geoffrey Winston Russell Palmer, KCMG, AC (born 21 April 1942) served as Prime Minister of New Zealand from August The granting of Royal Assent is the formal method by which a constitutional monarch completes the legislative process of Lawmaking by formally assenting to an The Governor-General acts on the Monarch's behalf; in theory, he or she has two options: he or she may grant the Royal Assent (making the bill law), withhold the Royal Assent (vetoing the bill). By modern constitutional convention, however, the Royal Assent is always granted, and Bills are never disallowed (see Reserve Powers below).

The Governor-General also has the power to appoint ministers, judges, and other officials. However, the appointees are chosen by the Prime Minister or other ministers.

Furthermore, the Governor-General performs some of the functions normally associated with heads of state. He or she makes state visits abroad, hosts foreign heads of state, and receives ambassadors and high commissioners.

Ceremonial role

Increasingly, the Governor-General is representing New Zealand abroad and is accorded the same respect and privileges of a head of state. The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's Head of government consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in Helen Elizabeth Clark (born 26 February 1950 is the 37th and current Prime Minister of New Zealand. Head of state is the generic term for the individual or collective office that serves as the chief public representative of a Monarchic or Republican Nation-state It can be argued that the de facto head of state is the Governor-General while the de jure head of state remains the Queen; historian Gavin McLean has recently described the Governor-General as a "virtual head of state"^[1].

The Governor-General is nominally Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces^[14]. A commander-in-chief is the Commander of a nation's Military forces or significant element of those forces The New Zealand Defence Force consists of three services the New Zealand Army; the Royal New Zealand Navy; and the Royal New Zealand Air Force It is not clear whether the commanders of the armed forces could, in reality, turn to the Governor-General if they thought that the orders they were receiving from the Prime Minister and Minister of Defence were illegal or unethical, or whether the Governor-General would be justified in issuing new orders directly.

Until 1939 the Governor-General also represented the British Government, when the diplomatic functions were transferred to a High Commissioner. High Commissioner is the title of various high-ranking special executive positions held by a commission of appointment This was 13 years after the Balfour Declaration and after the functions were separated in the other Dominions. The Balfour Declaration of 1926, named after the British Lord President of the Council Arthur Balfour, Earl of Balfour was the name given to a report resulting A dominion, often Dominion, refers to one of a group of autonomous polities under sovereign authority within the British Empire and This was due to the New Zealand belief that such a thing would promote separatism within the British Empire. Separatism refers to the advocacy of a state of cultural ethnic tribal religious racial or gender separation from the larger group often with demands for greater political autonomy The British Empire was the largest empire in history and for over a century was the foremost global power.

Community role

The Governor-General provides leadership in the community. Governors-General are always the patrons of many charitable, service, sporting and cultural organisations. The present Governor-General is patron to nearly 200 organisations. The sponsorship or patronage of the Governor-General signals that an organisation is worthy of wide support. Many of the Governor-General’s community functions also have a ceremonial dimension, such as attendance at the official openings of buildings, addresses to open conferences, or launching special events and appeals.

The Governor-General spends a large share of his or her working time attending state banquets and functions, making and hosting state visits, meeting ceremonial groups, and awarding medals, decorations, and prizes ).

Reserve powers

In certain circumstances (such as where a Prime Minister has lost a vote of confidence) the Governor-General may act without the advice of the Prime Minister. Dame Silvia Rose Cartwright, PCNZM, DBE, QSO ( née Poulter (born November 7 1943) was New Zealand 's second These are the so-called "reserve powers". These powers include the ability to:

• Dissolve or prorogue Parliament;
• Appoint a Government;
• Dismiss a Government;
• Appoint the Prime Minister;
• Dismiss the Prime Minister;
• Refuse a Prime Minister’s request for an election;
• Refuse assent to legislation. The Parliament of New Zealand consists of the Queen of New Zealand and the New Zealand House of Representatives and until 1951 the New Zealand Legislative Council

The exercise of the above powers is a matter of continuing debate. Many constitutional commentators believe that the Governor-General (or the Sovereign) does not have the power to refuse Royal assent legislation - former law professor and Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer and Professor Matthew Palmer argue any refusal of Royal Assent would lead to a constitutional crisis^[13]. Sir Geoffrey Winston Russell Palmer, KCMG, AC (born 21 April 1942) served as Prime Minister of New Zealand from August Matthew Simon Russell Palmer (born 12 May 1964) is a prominent New Zealand legal Academic. Some constitutional lawyers, such as Professor Philip Joseph, believe the Governor-General does retain the power to refuse Royal Assent to Bills in exceptional circumstances - specifically if democracy is to be abolished^[16]. Philip Joseph (born 10 January, 1985 in Huddersfield, England) is an English Rugby league player who currently plays for the English

Royal Prerogative of Mercy

The Governor-General also exercises the Royal Prerogative of mercy, an ancient right of convicted persons to seek a review of their case where they allege an injustice may have occurred. The prerogative of mercy can be exercised where a person claims to have been wrongly convicted or wrongly sentenced.

The Governor-General acts on the advice of the Minister of Justice. The Governor-General has power to grant a pardon, to refer a person's case back to the court under section 406 of the Crimes Act 1961, and to reduce a person's sentence. If a person's case is referred back to the court, the court will consider the case in a similar way to hearing an appeal. The court then provides advice to the Governor-General as to how to act. Recently, David Bain was granted such an appeal to the Privy Council. David Cullen Bain (born March 27 1972 in Dunedin New Zealand) was convicted in May 1995 for the Murder of his parents and siblings on 20 June The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is one of the highest courts in the United Kingdom, established by the Judicial Committee Act 1833

Salary and privileges

Government House, in Wellington. Wellington (ˈwælɪŋtən is the Capital of New Zealand, the country's second largest urban area, the

Flag of the Governor-General

The salary of Governor-General is regulated by the Civil List Act 1979, as of 2006 The salary is $170,600 a year, and that is exempt from income tax^[17]. Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The New Zealand dollar ( sign: $; code: NZD) is the Currency of New Zealand. The Governor-General's main residence is Government House, Wellington, and there is a small secondary northern residence, Government House, Auckland. Government House in Newtown, Wellington, New Zealand is the principal residence of the Governor-General of New Zealand. The site of the present day Government House, Auckland was first built upon in the 1880s or 1890s although some of the trees are slightly older dating from The houses are managed by the Official Secretary to the Governor-General. The Official Secretary to the Governor-General of New Zealand is a member in the household of the Governor-General of New Zealand.

In the order of precedence, the Governor-General outranks all individuals except the head of state. The Order of Precedence in New Zealand was approved by the Queen Elizabeth II on 9 January 1974, and amended to include former Governors-General (Though the Queen herself is not listed in the order of precedence. )

The Governor-General and his spouse are styled "His/Her Excellency" during his term in office. He is also entitled to the style "The Honourable" for life upon assuming the office, except when the Governor-General is a Privy Councillor which carries the style "The Right Honourable" ^[18]. The prefix The Honourable or The Honorable (abbreviated to " The Hon A privy council is a body that advises the Head of state of a nation on how to exercise their executive authority, typically but not always in the context of a The Right Honourable (abbreviated as The Rt Hon) is an Honorific prefix that is traditionally applied to certain

The Governor-General holds the offices of Chancellor of The New Zealand Order of Merit and Principal Companion of the Queen's Service Order^[15]. The New Zealand Order of Merit is an Order established in 1996 "for those persons who in any field of endeavour The Queen's Service Order was established by Queen Elizabeth II on 13 March 1975, awarded by the government of New Zealand "for valuable

The Governor-General's flag is dark blue flag with the Shield of the New Zealand Coat of Arms surmounted by a Royal Crown in the centre. The Flag of the Governor-General of New Zealand is an official flag of New Zealand and is flown continuously in the presence of the Governor-General of New Zealand In heraldic terms the official description is: “A flag of a blue field thereon the Arms of New Zealand ensigned by the Royal Crown all proper”. It takes precedence over all other flags, except the head of state's flag. It may be flown from a vehicle in which the Governor-General is travelling, or from a building in which the Governor-General is present or is residing. On state visits abroad, however, the Governor-General typically uses the national flag, which is a more recognizable New Zealand symbol. The flag of New Zealand is a defaced Blue Ensign with the Union Flag in the canton and four red stars with white borders to the right

History

Colony

Since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi established New Zealand as a British colony, there has been a governor in New Zealand. The Treaty of Waitangi ( Māori: Tiriti o Waitangi) is a Treaty first signed on February 6, 1840, by representatives of the British Captain William Hobson, who drafted the treaty, was first appointed Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand by Letters Patent on 24 November 1840 (having previously been the British Consul to New Zealand), when New Zealand was part of the colony of New South Wales. Captain William Hobson RN ( 26 September 1792 – 10 September 1842) was the first Governor of New A Lieutenant Governor is a high officer of state whose precise role and rank vary by jurisdiction Events 380 - Theodosius I makes his adventus, or formal Year 1840 ( MDCCCXL) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year While Hobson is usually considered the first Governor of New Zealand, Sir George Gipps was the first governor over New Zealand, albeit only in his capacity as Governor of New South Wales, until New Zealand was established as a separate colony on 3 May 1841. Sir George Gipps (1791 – 28 February 1847) was Governor of the Colony of New South Wales, Australia, for eight years between 1838 Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João For the game see 1841 (board game. Year 1841 ( MDCCCXLI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link Hobson continued in office until his death on the 10 September 1842. Events 506 - The Bishops of Visigothic Gaul meet in the Council of Agde. Year 1842 ( MDCCCXLII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common In Hobsons' place the Colonial Office appointed Captain Robert FitzRoy. The Secretary of State for the Colonies or Colonial Secretary was the British Cabinet official in charge of managing the various British Colonies. Vice-Admiral Robert FitzRoy ( 5 July 1805 – 30 April 1865) achieved lasting fame as the captain of HMS ''Beagle'' FitzRoy struggled to keep order between Māori and settlers keen to buy their land, with very limited financial and military resources at his disposal. His conflicts with the New Zealand Company settlements over land deals lead to his recall in 1845. The New Zealand Company was formed in 1839 to promote the "systematic" colonisation of New Zealand. Year 1845 ( MDCCCXLV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common FitzRoy's replacement, Sir George Grey, is considered by some historians (such as Michael King^[19]) to be the most important and influential Governors of New Zealand. For other men with a similar name see George Grey (disambiguation or George Gray Sir George Grey, KCB ( 14 April Michael King, OBE ( December 15, 1945 &ndash March 30, 2004) was a widely respected New Zealand popular historian Grey was the last Governor of New Zealand to Act without reference to parliament. During his first term, (1845 - 1852) Grey petitioned the Parliament of the United Kingdom to largely suspend the complex New Zealand Constitution Act 1846 (Grey briefly took the title Governor-in-Chief under the Act but this was eventually reverted back to Governor), drafting his own constitution bill, which became the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852. The Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom and British overseas territories The New Zealand Constitution Act 1846 (9 & 10 Vict c ?? was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom and was the first enactment to grant the colony of New Zealand The New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 (15 & 16 Vict c 72 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom and was the second enactment to grant the colony of New Grey's first term ended before responsible government was implemented.

That task was left to the Administrator of Government, Robert Wynyard who opened the 1st New Zealand Parliament on 24 May 1854^[1]. Robert Henry Wynyard ( 24 December 1802 - 6 January 1864) was a New Zealand colonial administrator Lieutenant Governor The 1st New Zealand Parliament was a term of the Parliament of New Zealand. Events 1218 - The Fifth Crusade leaves Acre for Egypt. 1276 - Magnus Ladulås is crowned Year 1854 ( MDCCCLIV) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common year Wynyard was quickly confronted by the demands of the new parliament that the parliament be able to appoint its own ministers, instead of the governor. The parliament passed a resolution to that effect on the 2 June. Events 455 - The Vandals enter Rome, and plunder the city for two weeks Wynyard and the Executive Council of New Zealand refused to allow this, stating that the Colonial Office made no mention of responsible government in its dispatches. The Executive Council of New Zealand is the body which legally serves the functions of the Cabinet. Wynyard then offered to add some elected members of parliament to the Executive Council, which he did - a compromise that worked for a few weeks, until on 1 August 1854, Parliament again demanded complete power to appoint ministers. Events 30 BC - Octavian (later known as Augustus enters Alexandria, Egypt, bringing it under the control of the Roman Year 1854 ( MDCCCLIV) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common year Wynyard refused, and prorogued parliament for two weeks. Then on 31 August he appointed more elected members to the Executive Council, but when parliament met again on the 8 August 1855, it moved a motion of no confidence in the members. Events 1056 - Byzantine Empress Theodora becomes ill dying suddenly a few days later without children to succeed the Throne Events 1220 - Sweden is defeated by Estonian tribes in the Battle of Lihula. Year 1855 ( MDCCCLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common year Fortunately for Wynyard the next Governor, Sir Thomas Gore Browne, arrived on 6 September 1855. Colonel Sir Thomas Robert Gore Browne KCMG, CB, ( July 3, 1807 &ndash April 17, 1887) was a British Events 3114 BC - According to the Proleptic Julian calendar the current era in the Maya Long Count Calendar started Year 1855 ( MDCCCLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common year Gore Browne's tenure saw the introduction of responsible government, which greatly reduced the powers of the Governor^[1]. In the following years, Gore Browne and Premier Edward Stafford clashed over whether the Governor (and hence the imperial government) had control over Māori affairs, a key issue at the time. The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's Head of government consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in Sir Edward William Stafford, GCMG ( 23 April 1819 - 2 February 1901) served as Premier of New Zealand on Stafford began the practice of Cabinet meeting independently of the Executive Council, further reducing the influence of the Governor. The New Zealand Cabinet functions as the policy and decision-making body of the Executive branch within the New Zealand government system Sir George Grey returned to New Zealand in 1861 for a second term. Year 1861 ( MDCCCLXI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Grey struggled to meet the competing demands of the Colonial government and British government. The New Zealand Land Wars had brought many British troops to New Zealand, and fearing further fighting Grey, with the support of Edward Stafford, evaded Colonial Office instructions to finalise their return to Britain. The New Zealand Wars, sometimes called the Land Wars and also once called the Māori Wars, were a series of conflicts that took place in New Zealand In the end the Colonial Office recalled Grey in February 1868^[20].

Governor

After Grey, successive Governors of New Zealand were derived from the British aristocracy and played a much less active role in government^[1]. In only a few instances did the Governor refuse the advice of the Premier^[1] - ironically mainly during the tenure of Sir George Grey as Premier of New Zealand from 1877 - 1879. The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's Head of government consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in One famous instance of the use of the Governors' powers came during the term of Sir Arthur Gordon. Arthur Gordon was an Ontario provincial politician Gordon a Liberal, was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the 1934 provincial Sir Arthur had left New Zealand on 13 September 1881 for a visit to the Pacific Islands. In his absence, the Premier John Hall advised the Chief Justice James Prendergast acting as the Administrator of the Government (Prendergast was well known for his views on Maori from his decision in the case Wi Parata v Bishop of Wellington) , to order the invasion of the Maori pacifist Te Whiti o Rongomai's village at Parihaka, something the Governor had indicated he was opposed to^[1]. Sir John Hall (c December 18, 1824  &ndash June 25, 1907) was born in Kingston upon Hull, England, and later The Chief Justice of New Zealand is the head of the New Zealand judiciary and presides over the Supreme Court of New Zealand. Sir James Prendergast GCMG ( 10 December 1826 - 27 February 1921) was the third Chief Justice of New Zealand. An Administrator ( Administrator of the Government, Officer Administering the Government) in the constitutional practice of some countries in the Commonwealth Te Whiti o Rongomai III (c 1815&ndash November 18, 1905) was a Māori spiritual leader and founder of the village of Parihaka, in Parihaka is a small community in Taranaki region New Zealand, located between Mount Taranaki and the Tasman Sea.

Governor-General

In 1907 Sir Joseph Ward's Liberal government passed a resolution to create New Zealand as the Dominion of New Zealand. Year 1907 ( MCMVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Sir Joseph George Ward 1st Baronet, GCMG (1856 - 1930 was Prime Minister of New Zealand on two occasions in the early 20th century The First Liberal Government of New Zealand was the first responsible government in New Zealand politics organised along party lines The Dominion of New Zealand is the former name of the Realm of New Zealand. This led to new letters patent being issued in 1917, which greatly curtailed the powers of the Governor^[4]. Year 1917 ( MCMXVII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year To reflect these changes, the office was renamed Governor-General (equivalent to Governors-General of other Commonwealth countries), with the Earl of Liverpool, the serving Governor, being the first Governor-General. Arthur William de Brito Savile Foljambe 2nd Earl of Liverpool GCB GCMG GBE MVO PC ( 27 May, 1870 &ndash

In 1926, following the King-Byng affair in Canada, an Imperial Conference approved the Balfour declaration, which defined a British Commonwealth as a freely associated grouping known as the Commonwealth of Nations. Year 1926 ( MCMXXVI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The King-Byng Affair was a Canadian Constitutional crisis that occurred in 1926 when the Governor General of Canada, Lord Byng of Vimy, refused Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The Balfour Declaration of 1926, named after the British Lord President of the Council Arthur Balfour, Earl of Balfour was the name given to a report resulting The declaration was ratified by the Parliament of the United Kingdom with the Statute of Westminster 1931. The Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom and British overseas territories The Statute of Westminster 1931 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (22 & 23 Geo The effect of the Declaration was to elevate the Governor-General from a representative of the British government to a regal position with all the theoretical constitutional powers of the Sovereign. New Zealand did not ratify the statute until after the Second World War however, with the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1947 being passed on 25 November 1947. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including The Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1947 was a constitutional Act of the New Zealand Parliament that formally accepted the full external autonomy offered by the British Parliament

Despite adopting the statute later than most other Commonwealth realms, the functions of the Governor-General in representing the British government were gradually reduced prior the the statute passing. In 1939 Britain appointed its own High Commissioner to New Zealand, Government House ceased to be the official communications channel with Britain in 1941^[1][4].

De facto head of state?

Increasingly, the Governor-General is regarded as a de facto head of state. Political commentator Colin James has expressed this view^[2], along with historian Gavin McLean^[1] and Prime Minister Helen Clark^[3]. Colin James is a New Zealand political Journalist and commentator Increasingly, the Governor-General has been performing the functions of a head of state, such as representing New Zealand overseas (a duty Governors-General have carried out since Sir Denis Blundell was in office^[1]). Head of state is the generic term for the individual or collective office that serves as the chief public representative of a Monarchic or Republican Nation-state Sir Edward Denis Blundell (known as Denis Blundell GCMG GCVO KBE QSO (1907&ndash1984 was Governor-General of New Zealand from For example, at the 2007 commemorations of the Battle of Passchendaele, the Governor-General Anand Satyanand represented New Zealand^[21] on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, while the Queen represented Great Britain^[22]. "Passchendaele" redirects here For the 2008 film by that name see Passchendaele (film The 1917 Battle of Passchendaele, also known as Anand "Satch" Satyanand, PCNZM, QSO (born 22 July 1944) is the Governor-General of New Zealand.

Reform of the office is usually only mentioned in the context of republicanism. Republicanism in New Zealand is a movement to change the country's current status as a Commonwealth realm and Constitutional monarchy to that of a Commonwealth Helen Clark, when defending Dame Silvia Cartwright following a political controversy over prison sentences has stated "[o]ne of the challenges for us is we clearly are no longer a dominion of Britain where the Governor-General is exactly like the Queen. Dame Silvia Rose Cartwright, PCNZM, DBE, QSO ( née Poulter (born November 7 1943) was New Zealand 's second I think we need to consider how the role of governor-general might evolve further. As you know, my view is that one day there will be a president fulfilling the kind of role the governor-general does. "^[23]. Others, such as Professor Noel Cox^[7] have argued that the Governor-General's role needs to be updated, rather than reforming the office. Some constitutional academics expressed concern that the process of electoral reform could result in the Governor-General having greater political influence^[10]. Electoral Reform in New Zealand has in recent years become a political issue as major changes have been made to both Parliamentary and local government elections In 1993, former Governor-General Dame Catherine Tizard caused controversy by suggesting that under the proposed Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system, the Governor-General may have to use their reserve powers more often^[1]. Year 1993 ( MCMXCIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar) Dame Catherine Anne Tizard, ONZ, GCMG, GCVO, DBE, QSO (née MacLean) (born April 4, 1931) was Mixed member proportional representation, also termed mixed-member proportional voting and commonly abbreviated to MMP, is an ' additional member ' Following the adoption of MMP at a referendum later in 1993, Prime Minister Jim Bolger suggested at the opening of parliament in 1994 that one reason New Zealand might move to a republic was that the Governor-General would have more influence under MMP^[24]. Rt Hon James Brendan "Jim" Bolger, ONZ (born 31 May 1935) was Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1990 to 1997

References

See also

• List of Governors-General of New Zealand
• Constitution of New Zealand
• Monarchy in New Zealand
• Republicanism in New Zealand
• British honours system and New Zealand Honours System for explanation of honours. The following is a list of the Governors and Governors-General of New Zealand. The constitution of New Zealand consists of a collection of statutes ( Acts of Parliament) Treaties Orders-in-Council, Letters patent, decisions of the TalkCommonewalth realm.--> New Zealand Republicanism in New Zealand is a movement to change the country's current status as a Commonwealth realm and Constitutional monarchy to that of a Commonwealth The British honours system is a means of rewarding individuals' personal bravery achievement or service to the United Kingdom. The New Zealand Royal Honours system is the system of orders decorations and medals which are awarded to recognise achievements of or service by New Zealanders or others in connection

External links

• Official Website of the Governor-General of NZ
• A history of the Governor-General in New Zealand.
• List of Governors-General of New Zealand