Governor-General of New Zealand

The Governor-General of New Zealand (Māori: 'Te Kāwana Tianara o Aotearoa') is the representative of the monarch of New Zealand (currently Queen 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.

The Constitution Act 1986 provides that a "Governor-General appointed by the Sovereign is the Sovereign's representative in New Zealand." 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 of the Realm of New Zealand.

The functions and roles of the governor-general are set out in letters patent issued in 1983 (amended in 2006) and include: appointing ministers and judges, dissolving parliament, granting Royal Assent to legislation, issuing writs for elections and bestowing honours. All the governor-general's duties are carried out in the name of the Queen. As of 1 April 2011, the governor-general is paid a salary of NZ$210,309.00.

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. Under the Niue Constitution Act, the governor-general also represents the Queen in Niue.

The current governor-general is Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae, who was sworn in on 31 August 2011, replacing Sir Anand Satyanand, having been appointed by the Queen of New Zealand on 7 March 2011, on the advice of the Prime Minister. The deputy of the governor-general is currently Dame Sian Elias, as Chief Justice of New Zealand.

Administrative support for the governor-general is provided by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.