Sir Jerry chats with Navy personnel as he inspects the tri-Service guard. [20110831_WN_S1015650_0039]
01 September 2011
Lieutenant General Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, the former Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force said he stopped to “pinch himself, one last time” before the ceremony at Parliament to officially recognise him as New Zealand’s Governor-General on 31 August.
Sir Jerry said he and Lady Janine Mateparae considered it a huge honour and privilege to be selected to serve the Queen and the people of New Zealand.
In his address to dignitaries, officials, Defence chiefs, friends, whanau and members of the public, Sir Jerry said he and Lady Mateparae are committed to “meeting as many New Zealanders” as they can during their five year term at Government House.
Sir Jerry said it is their hope that during this “five year adventure” they would be able to “encourage people to think about how New Zealanders can make a difference."
The mood at Parliament was buoyant as Sir Jerry and Lady Janine were welcomed on to the forecourt with a Powhiri. The kapa haka group performed admirably, and the NZ Army band and RNZAF trumpeters were very well received. Sir Jerry chatted with members of his100-strong tri Service guard of honour, many of whom would have been known to him from his four year term as Chief of Defence Force.
After meeting with MPs at parliament, Sir Jerry and Lady Janine laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington. They were also the guests of honour at an official reception in the Beehive's Banquet Hall.
As Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief, Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae is the Queen’s representative in New Zealand. He and Lady Janine Mateparae will be patrons of many charitable, service, sporting, cultural and community organisations. Among their many duties and responsibilities they will officially open buildings, schools and other facilities, address conferences, host overseas guests, present awards, and launch special events and appeals.
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