Niue leaders ‘delighted’ with the appointment of first Polynesian woman Governor General
On the appointment of the first Polynesian woman Dame Cindy Kiro to the role of the Governor General of New Zealand and her Realm countries including Niue, Premier Dalton Tagelagi says that “Niue welcomes the appointment of Dame Cindy Kiro and look forward to welcoming her to our shores when borders re-open”.
The appointment of Dame Kiro was announced by NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday this week.
Premier Tagelagi also extends his best wishes to out-going Dame Patsy Reddy “Niue also wishes Dame Pasty Reddy well, while acknowledging that she has witnessed milestones for Niue during her time as Governor General” referring to the investiture of the late Sir Toke Talagi in March 2017.
Dame Patsy Reddy will complete her five-year term as Governor General on the 28th September.
Premier Tagelagi says that he will officially issue a formal statement in October when Dame Kiro officially takes office.
Meanwhile the Governor General’s representative to Niue, the Speaker of the Fono Ekepule Hima Takelesi says “I’m absolutely delighted with the appointment of Dame Cindy Kiro as the next Governor-General.
Hima Takelesi says that it would be even better “when she decides to pay us an official visit, to have her deliver the Speech from the Throne, making her the first Polynesian woman to do so.”
Dame Cindy Kiro is the first Maori woman to be appointed the Governor General. From 2003 to 2009 Dame Kiro was New Zealand’s Children’s Commissioner. She holds a PhD in social policy and an MBA in business administration. She has been an associate professor and head of Massey University’s school of public health.
