New Zealand Governor-General sworn in

August 23, 2006

New Zealand's nineteenth was  sworn in today. succeeds as the personal representative of New Zealand's Head of State, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand. Dame Silvia concluded a five year term in office.

A fanfare of trumpets and a by the 16 Field Regiment from  marked the start of ceremonies. Satyanand arrived at at 11.45am.

His investiture began with an Indian and welcome, followed by the constitutional swearing in. A commission of appointment was read, and the and the oath of office taken.

The appointment was then proclaimed, at which point Satyanand became the 19th Governor-General of New Zealand.

There was led Tri-service Royal Guard of Honour comprising 100 men and women drawn from the three services ( and ) and their respective  and escorts, and the Band of the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Royal New Zealand Air Force Trumpeters were also in attendance.

Following the ceremony the new Governor-General laid a wreath; at the in honour of New Zealand's war dead; a tradition that all new Governor-Generals undertake on the day of their swearing-in.

A 24-person, , and  from the  also attended the commemorative service.

He says he is deeply honoured to have been asked to serve as Governor-General and says there will be a great deal of pride within the Indian community about his appointment.

After the ceremony the vice regal party moved into Parliament House where presentations were be made in the Grand Hall; followed by a reception in the Banquet Hall.

Satyanand was born and raised in Auckland. He studied law at the law school. He has practiced law, been a judge, an.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark, said that he has a very good and deep understanding of the law, government, an interest in international affairs and has contributed to many community activities.

Anand Satyanand's parents were. Satyanand is the first Governor-General of Asian descent. Satyanand married in 1970 and has three adult children.

Present at the swearing-in ceremony were the, His Excellency Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, and the Honourable Mr Justice Sir Moti Tikaram. Also present were some of his former colleagues.

Prime Minister Clark said, "I thank you for agreeing to serve New Zealand in this way. On behalf of the government and people of New Zealand, I welcome you both to your new roles as you take up life and work at Government House, and wish you well for this period of service to New Zealand."

, leader of the party, said "I warmly welcome his appointment and I believe that with his Asian, Fijian, Indian and Kiwi background he will do an excellent job for the increasingly diverse society that is New Zealand today."

, party leader and Foreign Minister, said, "He is the right person to carry out the diverse role of the Queen's representative in 21st century New Zealand. Judge Satyanand has the experience, respect and demeanour to fulfil the various demands of this most important constitutional role in the manner we expect in New Zealand."

When asked by the media in April his view of New Zealand becoming a republic, Satyanand said "I am an admirer of our country's present constitutional arrangements and the mechanisms which enable a straightforward change of government and our connection with our historical past."