Cindy Kiro
Dame Alcyion Cynthia Kiro GNZM QSO DStJ (Māori: [kiːɾɔ]); née Simpson; born 1958) is a New Zealand public-health academic, administrator, and advocate, who has served as the 22nd governor-general of New Zealand since 21 October 2021. Kiro is the first Māori woman, the third person of Māori descent to hold the office.
Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro GNZM QSO DStJ | |
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Official portrait, 2021 | |
| 22nd Governor-General of New Zealand | |
| Assumed office 21 October 2021 | |
| Monarchs | |
| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | Dame Patsy Reddy |
| Children's Commissioner of New Zealand | |
| In office 1 September 2003 – 1 September 2008 | |
| Appointed by | Steve Maharey |
| Preceded by | Roger McClay |
| Succeeded by | John Angus |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Alcyion Cynthia Simpson 1958 (age 65–66) Whangārei, New Zealand |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 2 children, 2 stepchildren |
| Residence | Government House, Wellington |
| Signature | |
| Alma mater |
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Public health |
| Thesis | Kimihia Hauora Māori = Māori Health Policy and Practice (2001) |
| Doctoral advisors |
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Before she was announced as governor-general designate, Kiro was Ahorangi chief executive of the Royal Society Te Apārangi and was previously the Children's Commissioner, head of school of the School of Public Health at Massey University, head of Te Kura Māori at Victoria University of Wellington and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Māori) of the University of Auckland.
During her term as governor-general, Kiro responded to the death of Elizabeth II, and has undertaken several overseas visits, including attending the Platinum Jubilee and state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III in the United Kingdom.