Former Governor-General Sir Michael Hardie Boys has died, aged 92.
Sir Michael was appointed Governor-General in 1992, under then prime minister Jim Bolger.
He remained in the role until 2001.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon this afternoon paid tribute to Sir Michael.
In a statement, Luxon said Sir Michael "guided New Zealand into the MMP era".
"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," said Luxon.
"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.”
Sir Michael was appointed 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.
After ending his term as Governor-General, Sir Michael continued to support the community, volunteering for a literacy programme at Kapanui School in Waikanae for over a decade, chairing the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Trust, and serving for a time on the Court of Appeal of Kiribati.
Luxon said these honours reflected a life devoted to the public service.
"Our thoughts are with his family at this time."
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro said 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".
"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."
In accordance with Sir Michael’s wishes, a state funeral will not be held.
Further details will follow from the family in due course.
SHARE ME