Jerry Mateparae

Jerry Mateparae, born on November fourteenth, nineteen fifty-four, is a distinguished New Zealand politician and military personnel. He made history as the 20th governor-general of New Zealand, serving from two thousand eleven to two thousand sixteen. Notably, he was the second Māori individual to hold this esteemed office, following in the footsteps of Sir Paul Reeves.

Before his tenure as governor-general, Mateparae had a remarkable career in the military. He served as an officer in the New Zealand Army and held the prestigious position of Chief of the Defence Force from two thousand six to two thousand eleven. His leadership during this period was instrumental in shaping New Zealand's military policies and operations.

In addition to his military service, Mateparae briefly directed the New Zealand Government Communications Security Bureau in two thousand eleven. His expertise in security and governance paved the way for his subsequent appointment as high commissioner of New Zealand to the United Kingdom, a role he fulfilled from two thousand seventeen to two thousand twenty.