1. The Governor-General of New Zealand
This powerpoint is an overview of the role of the Governor-General.

2. The Queen, represented by the Governor-General, is our Head of State.
Queen Elizabeth is the Queen of around 16 different countries including New Zealand. She became Queen in The Governor-General does the jobs the Queen would do if she was in New Zealand. Other countries, for example Australia and Canada have their own Governors-General who represent Queen Elizabeth in those countries.

3. System of Government
New Zealand has a system of Constitutional Monarchy. This means the power to run the country is shared between the Executive (made up of the Crown and the Prime Minister and Ministers) and Parliament. Once laws are made they are applied through the courts.
Although the Crown (represented by the Governor-General) sits at the top of this picture, the power to make decisions for New Zealand rests with the elected government. The Queen/Governor-General cannot make laws or decisions for the country.
Our Government is democratically elected every three years. The Governor-General is not elected. A new Governor-General is selected by the Prime Minister every five years and is appointed by the Queen. The Governor-General is not a political appointment and the Prime Minister consults with the Leader of Opposition about the choice.

4. The Role of the Governor-General
Constitutional
The Governor-General is the highest ranked person in New Zealand (unless the Queen is visiting). This means she gives the final sign-off on decisions made by the elected government. After an election the newly elected Prime Ministers and Ministers must be officially appointed by the Governor-General in a special ceremony. The Governor-General also conducts the State Opening of Parliament and announces the new government’s aims for their parliamentary term. This is called the Speech from the Throne.
Before a bill that has gone through parliament can become law, it must be signed by the Governor-General. This is called the Royal Assent. She also signs appointments for judges and other high-ranking officials.

5. The Role of the Governor-General
Ceremonial
An important part of the Governor-General’s role is celebrating the hard work and achievements of New Zealanders. Every year many New Zealanders are recognised for their achievements, service and bravery in the New Year and Queen’s Birthday honours.

6. The Role of the Governor-General
Community
Being a Governor-General means spending a lot of time travelling New Zealand and meeting people from all over the country. This may include visiting marae, schools and community organisations as well as attending events celebrating community organisations.

7. The Role of the Governor-General
Community
The Governor-General is patron of lots of different New Zealand organisations. These organisations can ask the Governor-General to support them by hosting events or participating in ceremonies. There are a lot of events for different charity groups hosted by the Governor-General every year at Wellington and Auckland Government Houses.

8. The Role of the Governor-General
International
The Governor-General can represent New Zealand overseas. She is our highest ranked citizen and is often asked to undertake State visits to other countries by the Prime Minister.

9. Role of the Governor-General
International
She also welcomes Heads of State to New Zealand, and officially accepts the credentials of overseas ambassadors.
When the Royal family visit New Zealand they normally stay at Government House Wellington or Auckland.
These photos are of the King and the Queen of the Netherlands in Government House Wellington, and Prince Harry in Government House Auckland.

10. Who Can Be Governor-General?
                                 
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From 1840 to 1967 all our Governors-General were born in the United Kingdom. Since 1967 all Governors-General have been New Zealanders. Today Governors-General come from many different career paths. The thing they all have in common is that they are New Zealanders with a long history of exceptional dedication to our country and its people.

11. Sir Paul Reeves (Governor-General ), Dame Silvia Cartwright (Governor-General ), Dame Cath Tizard (Governor-General ), Sir Anand Satyanand and Lady Susan Satyanand (Sir Anand was Governor-General ), Sir Jerry Mateparae (Governor-General ), Dame Patsy Reddy (Governor-General 2016-)

12. Government House in Newtown, Wellington is the main home and workplace of the Governor-General. It was opened in You can visit Government House by booking a free guided tour through the Visitor Centre There is a smaller Government House in Auckland. This does not run a regular tour programme, though garden tours can occasionally be arranged.