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.