14 August 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Passing of Sir Paul Reeves, 15th Governor-General of New Zealand

Monarchy New Zealand expresses its sadness on hearing of the passing of Sir Paul Reeves, former Governor-General of New Zealand.

“Sir Paul, who served the Queen of New Zealand and people of Aoteaora, was a man of great principle, and rightly saw the office of Governor General as one of service and leadership” said Simon O’Connor, Chair of Monarchy New Zealand.

“The role of Governor General is central to New Zealand’s constitutional system. Sir Paul, as GG and the Queen’s representative, played a key part in our democracy. The coming days will be one of sadness, but also gratefulness for the part he has played in New Zealand’s history.”

Sir Paul was the Governor General from 22 November 1985 to 20 November 1990, and was New Zealand's first Governor-General of Māori descent. He belongs to the Puketapu hapu of the Te Atiawa of Taranaki.

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