{ Syed Mujeeb} Prime Minister John Key has announced that the next Governor-General will be Dame Patsy Reddy. Dame Patsy will replace Sir Jerry Mateparae whose five-year term ends on August 31, becoming the third woman to hold the post. “I am delighted Dame Patsy accepted the role,” says Mr Key.
“She is a passionate New Zealander, a well-respected businesswoman and a staunch supporter of our creative sector. “She is thoughtful, articulate and has a brilliant legal mind. I am sure New Zealanders will be proud to have her as our Governor-General.” Former Auckland Mayor Dame Catherine Tizard was the first woman Governor-General, from 1990 to 1996. Former Judge Dame Silvia Cartwright had the job from 2001 to 2006. As a constitutional monarchy, New Zealand’s head of state is the Queen and the Governor-General is her representative in New Zealand.
Dame Patricia has a low public profile but has made her name in corporate governance, serving on private and public sector company board over the past 20 years. She also has a strong involvement in the arts and is the current chair of the Film Commission. Most recently she worked on the review of the intelligence agencies with former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Michael Cullen.
Her salary will be $348,000 per year. He husband is former lawyer and former Judicial Conduct Commissioner Sir David Gascoigne. He is a former chairman of law firm Watts and Patterson which became Minter Ellison Rudd Watts. Dame Patsy worked at Minter Ellison too. The couple will have two official residences, one in Wellington and one in Auckland. They will be required to host visiting heads of Government and to represent New Zealand overseas. Occasionally they will host members of the Royal Family visiting New Zealand. They will also be expected to travel extensively around New Zealand and engage with communities and interest groups. Dame Patsy’s term will begin on September 14.