New Zealand's First Time to Have a Maori Female Governor-General, PM Ardern: Inspiring All strata of Society

JAKARTA - New Zealand's first indigenous Māori woman to be appointed Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, was formally sworn in in parliament in Wellington on Thursday, pledging to reach out to migrants and marginalized citizens.

Speaking to a small audience at the swearing-in ceremony, Dame Cindy said she was proud of her dual Maori and English heritage. The Governor-General performs constitutional and ceremonial duties in the former British colony on behalf of the Queen of England, who remains the country's official head of state.

"Society develops resilience when people feel connected, have a sense of belonging, and have a place to stand," Dame Cindy explained in her speech at the ceremony, cited from Reuters, October 21.

"I will connect with new migrants and former refugees, and celebrate the diverse cultures and religions bestowed on our nation by those who have chosen to make New Zealand their home."

Many Maoris, who make up about 17% of New Zealand's population, remain socially and economically disadvantaged.

Dame Cindy has had a career in academics and has held leadership roles at several New Zealand universities. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Policy and an MBA (Exec) in Business Administration from the University of Auckland and Massey University, becoming the first in her family to achieve university qualifications.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern welcomed the appointment of Dame Cindy in her speech at the inauguration ceremony.

"I know as the first Maori woman to hold this role, you realize that your opportunity here also provides inspiration that reaches far and wide for many people from all walks of life," said PM Ardern.

For information, Dame Cindy, who is from Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu, and of British descent, became the 22nd governor-general of New Zealand, citing The Guardian.

She is the third Māori governor-general after Sir Paul Reeves and Sir Jerry Mateparae, and the fourth woman to hold the title. Dame Cindy replaces Dame Patsy Reddy, whose five-year term ended last month.