Media release
14 March 2008

Governor-General fractures ankle

The Governor-General, Hon Anand Satyanand, has been forced to reduce his community engagements after fracturing a bone in his right ankle.

While the Governor-General has been instructed by his doctors to rest his leg, the fracture in no way affects his ability to carry out his constitutional roles.

The Governor-General accidentally “rolled his ankle” in Christchurch on Wednesday morning. After having an x-ray in Wellington yesterday morning (Thursday), it was revealed that he had broken a bone in his right ankle. The Governor-General’s lower leg and foot have been placed in a cast and he is using crutches.

On medical advice, the Governor-General has been instructed to rest his leg for at least a week when it is hoped the plaster cast can be removed and replaced with a walking cast.

Because of the requirement to rest, the Governor-General has been reluctantly forced to cancel his attendance at some community events while Mrs Susan Satyanand may represent the Governor-General at some engagements.

ENDS