Jerry Mateparae

ABOUT JERRY MATEPARAE

Politician who began serving as Governor-General of New Zealand in 2011. He had previously served from 2006-2011 as Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force.

He joined the New Zealand Army in 1972 and served the United Nations' Truce Supervision Organization.

He was appointed Director of the Government Communications Security Bureau in 2011, but stepped down to take his position as Governor-General.

He had five children, three with his first wife (who passed away in 1990) and two with his second wife.

He was recommended for the position of Governor- General by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key .