Former head of the Defence Force Lieutenant-General Jerry Mateparae would replace Sir Anand Satyanand as Governor-General when his term ends in August, Prime Minister John Key announced today.
Lt Gen Mateparae's appointment has been approved by the Queen and he will be sworn in on August 31, beginning a five-year term as New Zealand's 20th Governor-General.
The Republican Movement has acknowledged the appointment saying Lt-Gen Mateparae is a well known and respected New Zealander. He topped a poll in October last year of 1435 New Zealanders conducted by the Republican Movement to find New Zealand's next Governor-General.
"Yet, his appointment was made in secret and lacked democratic oversight," said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.
“New Zealand needs a proper elected head of state, not an appointee of the Prime Minister. Lt-Gen Mateparae is one of many New Zealanders who could fulfil the role and there is no reason why voters or Parliament cannot be trusted to elect the best person.
“The anachronistic system where a hereditary British monarch appoints a local deputy - hand-picked by the Prime Minister - is no longer fit for purpose,” Mr Holden said.
"Cutting ties with the monarchy and becoming a republic will ensure we have a Kiwi, chosen by us, as our head of state. That continues to be the ultimate goal of the Republican Movement.
"It's time for the government to update the process for appointment of the Governor-General to make it more modern, democratic and transparent. The Republican Movement believes, as a minimum, Lt. Gen. Mateparae should be endorsed by a resolution of Parliament in the coming weeks before he takes office. This is an important first step in Kiwis claiming ownership of their head of state," concluded Mr Holden.
In an earlier statement, Mr Key said Lt Gen Mateparae was "a highly regarded leader with a distinguished 38-year military career".
He said Lt Gen Mateparae had joined New Zealand Army in 1972 and risen through the ranks, serving and commanding.
"Jerry has served New Zealand with dedication and honour throughout his career, and I am delighted that he has agreed to continue that service in a new, broader role," Mr Key said.
"I believe he will bring great mana and a wide range of qualities to this role, including judgement, energy and an enthusiasm for encouraging excellence in others."
There will be a State farewell for Sir Anand on 17 August. Mr Key thanked him for his dedication and service.
Lt Gen Mateparae was born in Wanganui in 1954 and is affiliated to Ngati Tuwharetoa and Ngati Kahungunu.
He is married with two daughters and three sons and his activities include supporting the Rotary Club of Wellington and serving as patron to the New Zealand Special Air Service Association.
His military career saw him serve with the New Zealand Infantry Regiment and the elite SAS force before moving into leadership roles in Lebanon and East Timor.
That culminated with his appointment as Chief of Defence in 2006. He was the first Maori person to hold the position.
Lt Gen Mateparae left that role in late 2010 to begin a five-year posting as director of the Government Communications Security Bureau.