SunLive - PM and Gov-Gen pay tribute to Sir Michael

The NZ Prime Minister and Governor-General have each released statements on the death on Friday of Sir Michael Hardie Boys, GNZM, GCMG, QSO, KStJ, PC.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro are paying tribute to Sir Michael’s distinguished life of service to New Zealand.

“Sir Michael guided New Zealand into the MMP era,” says Luxon, who says he is saddened by the death of Sir Michael.

“He had a distinguished career in law and practised in Wellington, before being appointed a High Court Judge in 1980.

"He was appointed to the Court of Appeal and became a Privy Counsellor in 1989.

"He became our 17th Governor-General, serving from 1996 to 2001. It was during this time that New Zealand transitioned to the MMP electoral system. Sir Michael was a figure of stability during a time of significant constitutional change," says Luxon.

I’m saddened by the death of Sir Michael Hardie Boys, the 17th Governor-General of New Zealand.

His distinguished life of service to New Zealand was one of dedication and reliability.

Sir Michael epitomised what it is to be a great New Zealander. Our thoughts are with his…
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) December 30, 2023

The Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro has also issued a statement on the death of Sir Michael.

"The Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro and Dr Richard Davies were deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Governor-General Sir Michael Hardie Boys," says the Governor-General in her statement.

"Sir Michael served as Governor-General from 1996-2001, and came to the role after a distinguished legal career.

"Sir Michael was appointed at a time when New Zealanders were adjusting to the MMP electoral system, and visited Ireland and Denmark to see how their proportional representation systems worked," says Dame Cindy.

"His successors can thank him for clearly articulating the role of a Governor-General following an MMP election, particularly on those occasions when the result of the election is uncertain.

"On the role of the Governor-General more broadly, Sir Michael noted ‘there is still more to the office than the official smile, the genteel wave and the memory of plumed helmets of yesteryear.’"

The Governor-General says Sir Michael’s term was also notable for his promotion of youth excellence.

"Sir Michael carried out his vice-regal duties with the utmost care and good humour, and took particular pride in encouraging and supporting the aspirations of young people," says Dame Cindy.

"In carrying out my own duties as Governor-General during the recent election, I took great comfort in knowing I was following the principles Sir Michael so carefully laid out during his term.

"On behalf of all New Zealanders, Dr Davies and I extend our sincerest condolences to Sir Michael’s whānau at this sad time."

Sir Michael was appointed New Zealand’s first Knight Grand Companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit when it was established in 1996 and was a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, additional Companion of the Queen’s Service Order, and Knight of the Order of St John.

“These honours reflected a life devoted to public service," says Luxon.

“On ending his term as Governor-General, he continued to support the community.

"He volunteered for a literacy programme at Kapanui School in Waikanae for over a decade, chaired the New Zealand Portrait Gallery trust and served for a time on the Court of Appeal of Kiribati."

The Prime Minister says Sir Michael epitomised what it is to be a great New Zealander.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

In accordance with Sir Michael’s wishes, a state funeral will not be held.

Further details will follow from the family in due course.

	At the southern end of Durham Street.

	Outside Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, further up the street and outside the Durham St parking building.

	On Dive Crescent.

PM and Gov-Gen pay tribute to Sir Michael

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