Representing New Zealand abroad: Sir Jerry Mateparae reflects on his international role as governor-general.

• Author: Mateparae, Jerry
• Position: 80th ANNIVERSARY DINNER

It is a great pleasure for Janine and me to welcome you all this evening to mark the 80th anniversary of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. Eighty years is an important milestone. Over that time the NZIIA has been witness to a remarkable array of developments in international affairs. In 1934, when the NZIIA was founded there were 75 sovereign states. Today, using the benchmark of UN membership, there are 193.

On 30 January 1933, Adolf Hitler became the chancellor of Germany. Six years later, the Second World War erupted. And five years after that the largest sea and air assault in world history was launched across the English Channel to free occupied Europe.

Since then, there have been conflicts and wars all over the globe; and there have been numerous political, economic, technological and social upheavals, and seismic shifts. And, of course, New Zealand has had its share of shifts, action and excitement too. All of this has meant a full and interesting agenda for the NZIIA and its members.

I want to talk about a shift closer to home. It is not as momentous as some of the events that I have outlined. However, it is something that I have had some experience with. I will share some of my observations about the international strand of my role as the governor-general. This international strand has both a domestic element--welcoming and hosting heads of state and accepting the credentials of accredited ambassadors and high commissioners--and an overseas element. My comments will centre on engagements overseas. Dame Silvia Cartwright mentioned this when she addressed the NZIIA in 2006, on the eve of her departure from office. In her address, she gave her view of the value she thought a governor-general could make in representing New Zealand to the world. It was, she opined, 'a fascinating part of the role' and 'a privilege to represent New Zealand in this way'. I, too, have found it very satisfying and a serious part of the job.

The extent to which a governor-general represents New Zealand overseas depends on the view of the incumbent prime minister. The prime minister and I do talk about where and how I might make a contribution. Accordingly, my overseas travel programme is conducted at the invitation of the prime minister, and the government of the day. It is shaped by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in consultation with my official secretary, and endorsed by the minister of foreign affairs. That is not to say I do not have views, and on at least one occasion--my visit to Afghanistan--the prime minister gave due weight to my assessment of the desirability of such a trip.

Royal visit

April saw Janine and me hosting Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge...