Dame Patsy will be Governor-General for a five year term, which begins 14 September 2016.  The announcement of her appointment was made on 21 March.

New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) board and staff congratulated Dame Patsy this week. She has been chair of the NZFC board since 2009 and will chair her final meeting in June 2016.

Dame Patsy has contributed significantly to the arts and not-for-profit sectors.  She has served as chair of the New Zealand Film Archive and on the boards of New Zealand Opera, VUW Foundation, NZSO Foundation, Adam Art Gallery and as a trustee of the New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington Jazz Festival, Telecom Art Trust, VUW Art Collection Trust and the Sky City Auckland Community Trust.

She graduated LLM (Hons) from Victoria University of Wellington and is a barrister and solicitor of the High Court and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors. In June 2014, Patsy was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the Arts and Business.

Prime Minister John Key welcomed the announcement.

“She is a passionate New Zealander, a well-respected businesswoman and a staunch supporter of our creative sector,” says Mr Key.

“She is thoughtful, articulate and has a brilliant legal mind.  I am sure New Zealanders will be proud to have her as our Governor-General.”

After a successful business career, Dame Patsy has worked in the public sector in recent years where she has made a significant contribution to New Zealand in a range of areas, including as Chief Crown Negotiator for Treaty settlements, the chair of the New Zealand Film Commission and deputy chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency.

She most recently worked with Sir Michael Cullen on the review of New Zealand’s Intelligence and Security agencies.

Dame Patsy will be New Zealand’s 21st Governor-General. She is the third woman to hold the position alongside Dame Catherine Tizard and Dame Silvia Cartwright. She succeeds Sir Jerry Mateparae who will complete his term on August 31, 2016.

Sources: New Zealand Film Commission and Beehive.govt.nz