Governor-General to support New Zealand team at the Olympics

9 July 2012

Governor-General to support New Zealand team at the Olympics

The Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, is to support the New Zealand team at the 30th Olympiad in London.

While in London from 26-31 July, the Governor-General and Lady Janine Mateparae will attend the Opening Ceremony and meet New Zealand athletes at a number of events.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the Kiwi athletes as they take on the world’s best at the London Olympics. It’s an honour to provide high-level support to our athletes as Patron of the New Zealand Olympic Committee,” Sir Jerry Mateparae said.

“It’s also a great opportunity to reaffirm the strong ties between New Zealand and Britain as it celebrates both hosting the Games and the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State of both the United Kingdom and New Zealand.”

Sir Jerry and Lady Janine Mateparae will attend the NZOC Governor-General’s Dinner at the Banqueting Hall on 26 July where the New Zealand flag bearer will be announced. On 27 July they will attend a reception hosted by The Queen for visiting Heads of State and Governors-General before attending the Opening Ceremony.

In the following days, Sir Jerry and Lady Janine Mateparae will visit the Athlete’s Village and attend the swimming, rowing, tennis, equestrian, and hockey events. Sir Jerry is Patron of Hockey New Zealand and Rowing New Zealand. They will also attend a Reception at New Zealand House on 30 July organised by the New Zealand High Commission, and the Governor-General will host a Breakfast for Athletes’ Families at Kiwi House on 31 July.

While the Governor-General is overseas, Chief Justice, Rt Hon Dame Sian Elias, will serve as Administrator of the Government.

ENDS

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