The first woman to hold the post of Governor-General of New Zealand and Niue, Dame Catherine Tizard passed away on Sunday 31st of October. She was 90 years old.
Dame Catherine was Governor-General from 1990-1996 and she visited Niue in October 1992.
At the news of her passing last week, the New Zealand High Commission at Tapeu flew their flag at half-mast.
The news though did not reach the Niue government because there was no mention of her passing at the last sitting of the Fono Ekepule on Wednesday last week.
In a government media release today, Premier Hon. Dalton Tagelagi extends Niue’s condolences to Dame Catherine’s family.
“The Premier of Niue, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi has expressed his condolences for the passing of Dame Catherine Anne Tizard, ONZ, GCMG, GCVO, DBE, QSO, DStJ, former Governor-General of New Zealand.
“We send our sincerest condolences to Dame Catherine Tizard’s family for their loss”.
Records obtained from the archives of the Taoga Niue department showed that Dame Catherine visited Niue in October 1992 during the 18th anniversary of self-government in free association with New Zealand.
She and the members of her delegation signed the Fale Fono commemorative book (pictured).
She was accompanied by the then Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand Sir Don McKinnon.
Dame Catherine Tizard was widely regarded as a trailblazer for women. Dame Catherine was the first female Mayor of Auckland City and the first female Governor-General.