State farewell for Governor-General

Prime Minister John Key today announced details of the state farewell that will be held for the Governor-General, Lieutenant General The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, who completes his term of office on August 31.

The state farewell will take place Wednesday, August 24 at Parliament starting at 11.40am with the arrival of the Governor-General’s motorcade on the forecourt of Parliament.

There will be a pōwhiri, and the Prime Minister and Mrs Key, Parliament’s Speaker, the Chief of Defence Force and the Herald of Arms will greet them.  This will be followed by a Royal salute and 21-gun salute from Point Jerningham, and inspection of the Royal Guard of Honour.

The ceremony will then move to the Grand Hall where distinguished guests will be presented to Their Excellencies, followed by a State Farewell Luncheon in the Banquet Hall, which will include speeches by the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, the Governor-General and Lady Janine Mateparae.

The luncheon will finish at approximately 2pm.

The Governor-General designate, Dame Patsy Reddy, will be sworn in as Governor-General on 28 September.