Asia-Pacific News
Maori soldier appointed governor-general of New Zealand
Mar 8, 2011, 5:36 GMT
Wellington - Lieutenant-general Jeremiah (Jerry) Mateparae, a 56-year-old Maori soldier and father of five, was named Tuesday as the next governor-general of New Zealand.
Mateparae will succeed ethnic Indian Sir Anand Satyanand as the representative of Queen Elizabeth II, who remains head of state of New Zealand, a former British colony, despite its total independence.
Prime Minister John Key said Mateparae was a highly regarded leader with a distinguished 38-year military career. He joined the New Zealand Army in 1972 and rose through the ranks to be chief of the Defence Force from 2006 until retiring last month.
Mateparae will be sworn in on August 31, beginning a 5-year term in office.
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