The Queen recently spoke with Dame Cindy Kiro, who is soon to be sworn in as New Zealand's new Governor-General. Photo / Twitter
The Queen recently spoke with Dame Cindy Kiro, who is soon to be sworn in as New Zealand's new Governor-General. Photo / Twitter
A video posted from the royal family's Twitter account shows a quick snippet of New Zealand's soon-to-be Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The exchange via video link starts with the Queen exclaiming, "Ah, there you are," as Kiro appears on her screen.
However, time zones momentarily seem to get the better of Her Majesty, who started off the conversation with "good evening" - before Kiro responds with a "good morning".
"Oh, yes it's good morning isn't it to you," the Queen says.
The pair continue to exchange pleasantries, with the Queen acknowledging it will be a "big day" for Kiro when she officially takes over as Governor-General from Dame Patsy Reddy on Thursday.
Kiro will become the country's fourth female in the role, and the first with Māori whakapapa.
The Queen recently spoke with Dame Cindy Kiro, who is soon to be sworn in as New Zealand's new Governor-General. Photo / Buckingham Palace
The swearing-in ceremony will be held in the Legislative Council Chamber in Parliament House this Thursday from 10am.
Earlier this year, Kiro revealed her hopes to inspire young wāhine to aim for the "very top" after being named New Zealand's first wāhine Māori Governor-General.
"I really hope it is seen as a positive thing, you can reach the very top, and remember not only Māori and a woman, but pōhara, very poor, from a humble background.
In a statement on Tuesday night, Buckingham Palace said: "During the Audience Her Majesty invested Dame Cindy with the Insignia of a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and of a Companion of The Queen's Service Order of New Zealand".
Dame Cindy has had a distinguished career in academic research, and in 2003 was the first woman, and Māori, to be appointed as Children’s Commissioner.
As Governor General, Dame Cindy will act as The Queen’s representative in New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/Ul4xNnXCB2
"It truly is incredible standing here with this opportunity, and I hope young Māori girls, no matter where they come from in life, and all girls, take some inspiration from that."
Cindy Kiro is New Zealand's first wāhine Māori Governor-General. Photo / Elias Rodriguez
The ceremony involves the commission of appointment, the taking and signing of oaths, and a proclamation.
The Governor-General is the Sovereign's personal representative in New Zealand and is typically in the role for five years.
Kiro has spent much of her career in the tertiary sector, holding a PhD in Social Policy and an MBA (Exec) in Business Administration.
She has held various professorships at multiple New Zealand universities, and most recently was Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University of Auckland before taking up her current role as chief executive at the Royal Society Te Apārangi.
The Queen, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, has been pleased to approve the appointment of Dame Cindy Kiro as the next Governor-General of New Zealand.https://t.co/OU4ojScqwphttps://t.co/IZHeRwH09w
