Congratulations Te Kāwana Tianara Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro

The University of Auckland congratulates Dame Cynthia (Cindy) Kiro who, it was announced on 24 May, will become the new Te Kāwana Tianara o Aotearoa, Governor-General of Aotearoa New Zealand, the vice-regal representative of Queen Elizabeth II, New Zealand sovereign and Head of State.

Dame Cindy (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu) is a pioneer: she was the first Māori woman to hold the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University of Auckland, the first Māori woman to be the Chief Executive of Te Apārangi – The Royal Society of New Zealand and is now the first Māori woman appointed Governor-General of New Zealand.

“We are thrilled that a Māori wahine, and one of the University of Auckland’s own (BA 1982, Master of Business 1992), who was a member of the academic staff from 2014-2021, will be in this hugely important position," said Ihonuku Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori Te Kawehau Hoskins. "Like many Māori women, Dame Cindy has spent a lifetime serving the most vulnerable in our communities and will continue to do so in this role." 

Dame Cindy is a past Children's Commissioner. During her time at the University of Auckland, she was influential in establishing the Te Reo Language Revitalisation plan. She was also involved in a memorandum of understanding with local iwi and the University’s Vision 2030 and Strategic Plan 2025 – Taumata Teitei. Her extensive work with the University and in the community speaks volumes. 

The appointment of Dame Cindy is for a five-year term and has been approved by the Queen. She  will take up the role in October. The current Governor-General, the Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy, will be farewelled in September.