New Zealand’s first indigenous Maori woman to be named governor-general, Dame Cindy Kiro, was formally sworn into parliament in Wellington on Thursday in a ceremonial role, promising to reach out to migrants and marginalized citizens it was done.
Speaking to a small audience at the swearing-in ceremony, Dame Cindy said she was proud of her dual Māori and British heritage. The governor-general performs constitutional and ceremonial duties in the former British colony on behalf of the British monarch, who remains the country’s official head of state.
“Resilience develops in a community when people feel connected, have a sense of belonging and have a place to stand,” Dame Cindy said in a speech at the ceremony.
“I will connect with new immigrants and former refugees, and celebrate the many diverse cultures and religions that have been gifted to our country who have chosen to make New Zealand their home,” she said.
Many Māori, who make up about 17% of New Zealand’s population, are still socially and economically disadvantaged.
Maori are over-represented in statistics on criminal justice and health problems, and the majority of children who end up in state care are from the community. Thousands of Maori took to the streets in 2019 to demand social justice and land rights.
Dame Cindy has had a career in academics and held leadership roles at several New Zealand universities. She holds a PhD in Social Policy and an MBA (Exec) in Business Administration from the University of Auckland and Massey University, and was the first in her family to earn a university qualification.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern welcomed the appointment of Dame Cindy in a speech at the swearing-in ceremony.
Ardern said, “I know that as the first Māori woman to take on this role, you care that your opportunity here also provides inspiration that comes far and wide for many people from all walks of life. reaches.”
After securing a second term as prime minister last year, the PM appointed the country’s most diverse parliament, which also had a higher number of women among legislators.