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Home › Role & FunctionsThe Role of the Governor-General
The Governor-General is a symbol of New Zealand's unity and leadership, with the holder of the Office fulfilling important constitutional, ceremonial, international, and community roles.
The Governor-General is appointed on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of New Zealand to serve as the representative of the Head of State, Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand.
New Zealand's Head of State is non-partisan and is not involved in the "business" of government, which is the responsibility of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. This arrangement is best described by the saying that "while the Sovereign reigns, the Government rules."
New Zealand is a constitutional democracy and neither the Governor-General nor the Queen takes an active or initiating role in the executive functions of Government. By convention the Head of State acts on the advice of Ministers of the Crown, except on rare occasions such as when appointing a Prime Minister after an election.
Media resources
Tours of Government House Wellington for the public, schools and community groups are offered by our Visitor Centre.
Features
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Global Women International Women's Day Event
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HM The Queen's Message to Christchurch
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The Bledisloe Address - Waitangi Day 2017
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Dame Patsy's New Year MessageDame Patsy Reddy - New Year Message
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New Year Honours List 2017
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Message from HRH The Prince of Wales
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Message from HM The Queen regarding the North Canterbury earthquake
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Messages from the Governor-General and Dutch King and Queen
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Swearing-In Ceremony
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Armorial Bearings - Sir Jerry Mateparae
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Bledisloe Ballot 2017
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Beer Braised Beef Cheeks
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Queen approves honours for the Governor-General Designate
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Boots the Cat - The Biography
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The Governor-General's Anzac of the Year Award 2016
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New Year Message
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A Ceremony of Welcome in New Zealand
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Charlotte Royale cake recipe
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Charlotte Royale recipe - in honour of Princess Charlotte
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Prince Harry - Visit Itinerary
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Amazing Easter Wreath
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The Governor-General's Anzac of the Year Award
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Bledisloe Garden Reception 2015
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New Year Message
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Christmas Eccles Cakes
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State Banquet for the President of China
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Grilled Turbot Fillet and Cwmglyn Rarebit
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The Governor-General and Government Formation After the Election
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Government House Recipes - Orange and Olive Oil Syrup Cake
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New Year message - 2014Governor-General's 2014 New Year message
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New Year Honours 2014Queen honours New Zealand's best
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Nelson MandelaGovernor-General pays tribute to South African leader
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Niue and the Cook IslandsVisits reaffirm special relationships within the Realm of New Zealand
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Badge of the General Fono of TokelauGovernor-General hosts ceremony at Government House
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Leadership WeekGovernor-General leads the Sir Peter Blake Trust Dream Team
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Matariki 2013Governor-General recognises the contribution of women
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Coronation Diamond JubileeThe Governor-General looks back at the Queen's 1953 Coronation
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AIDS Candlelight MemorialMessage from the Governor-General
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South Canterbury and North Otago Regional Visit20-23 February: An overview
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Waitangi Day - 2013Governor-General and Lady Janine visit Waitangi and Auckland
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New Year Message 2013Governor-General issues his 2013 New Year message
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New Year Honours 2013New Zealanders recognised by The Queen of New Zealand
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Birthday cakeSecrets of Government House birthday cake revealed
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Diamond Jubilee visitRoyal couple to visit Auckland, Wellington, Manawatu and Christchurch
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Royal receptionPrince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall prepare for trip to downunder
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New Zealand's Governor-GeneralGovernment House publishes new booklet
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2012 London Olympic GamesThe Governor-General supports the NZ Olympic Team in London
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Diamond Jubilee messageThe Governor-General's Diamond Jubilee message
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Western Bay of Plenty regional visitThe Governor-General makes his first official visit.
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Open Days 2014Government House Open Days 2014
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Christchurch and Canterbury Earthquake AnniversaryThe Governor-General's Programme
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Waitangi Celebrations 2012The Governor-General's first Waitangi Day Programme
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Governor-General's New Year MessageSir Jerry Mateparae issues his 1st New Year message - watch the video
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State Opening of ParliamentGovernor-General announces the Government's plans
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Speaker-elect confirmation ceremonyDr Smith confirmed as Speaker of the House
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Appointment of the new GovernmentThe Governor-General appoints the new Government
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Queen's Diamond Jubilee EmblemNew emblem to mark the Diamond Jubilee
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Rugby World CupMessage from the Queen of New Zealand on the All Blacks' victory
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State Swearing-in of Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry MateparaeA Government House short film
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Royal NZ Navy 70th AnniversaryThe Governor-General hosted and attended associated events
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New Zealand Gallantry AwardsGovernment House has today issued a special honours list
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One year on from the 4 September 2010 Canterbury earthquakeGovernor-General issues a message
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Swearing in ceremonySir Jerry Mateparae to become NZ's 20th Governor-General
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Sir Paul ReevesNew Zealand's first Governor-General of Maori descent dies
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Visit by King George Tupou V of TongaThe Governor-General hosted a State Welcome for the King of Tonga
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Māori King visits Government HouseThe King plants a tree to mark the visit
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MatarikiThe Governor-General's 2011 Matariki Message
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The Royal WeddingSir Anand and Lady Susan attended the Royal Wedding on 29 April
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ANZAC Day messageThe Governor-General's message for ANZAC Day commemorations
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The National Christchurch Memorial ServiceDetails and photos are available here.
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Christchurch EarthquakeGovernor-General offers the support of all New Zealanders
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Canterbury earthquakeWorld leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
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Waitangi Day 2011Sir Anand Satyanand's last Waitangi Day as Governor-General
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New Year MessageGovernor-General issues his message for 2011
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Pike River Mine TragedyWorld leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
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Governor-General visits CanterburyA visit to support and encourage those affected by the earthquake
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New Year MessageGovernor-General issues his message for 2010
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Governor-General's 2009 New Year MessageNew Zealanders urged to volunteer
Related Links
Letters Patent Constituting the Office of Governor-General of New Zealand.
View the Cabinet Manual section on the Governor-General and the Executive Council.