The new Governor-General of New Zealand has vowed to honour the relationship between the Crown and Māori through the Treaty of Waitangi. Dame Patsy Reddy gave the vow in her first address after being sworn in today to the position left vacant by Sir Jerry Mateparae.
Dame Patsy Reddy enters Parliament for the first time as Governor-General. Māori was the first language she spoke. Māori were also at the forefront of her thoughts.
“I will respect and honour the unique relationship between the crown and Māori, enshrined in our founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”
The masses gathered at Parliament today with a mix of different cultures and areas having a part to play.
Dame Patsy Reddy fills the shoes of the former Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae. She is the third woman to take up this position.
It's something the Prime Minister says was a factor, “When I announced her appointment I said that New Zealand is well regarded for gender equality having been the first country to give women the vote. Dame Patsy's appointment sends a strong message about how much New Zealand values women in leadership roles.”
In her first official engagement as Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy will attend the National Remembrance Day for police tomorrow in Wellington.