Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, who completes his five-year term of office next week, is being formally farewelled at Parliament today.
Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae (file) Photo: AFP
Sir Jerry was met with a Māori challenge and 21-gun salute when he arrived on the forecourt of Parliament.
He is attending a formal state lunch in the Banquet Hall at Parliament where he, Prime Minister John Key and Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little will give speeches.
Sir Jerry was the chief of the Defence Force and director of the Government Communications Security Bureau before becoming Governor-General.
Businesswoman Dame Patsy Reddy is to be New Zealand's next governor-general and will begin her five-year term on 28 September.