New DELHI: Judge Anand Satyanand, a leading lawyer and ombudsman of Indo-Fijian descent, will be sworn in as New Zealand's Governor-General on Wednesday, a statement from the New Zealand High Commission said on Tuesday. He replaces Dame Sylvia Cartwright.

Queen Elizabeth of Britain appointed Mr. Satyanand the new Governor-General in April this year on the recommendation of New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clary. He will be the first Governor-General of Asian descent.

Broad knowledge

Welcoming his appointment, Ms. Clark said, "Judge Satyanand will bring many personal strengths to the role of Governor-General, including a broad knowledge of the workings of government and the law, as well as a deep appreciation of the different groups and communities which make up contemporary New Zealand.

"Judge Satyanand has had a multi-faceted career as a lawyer, a judge, and an ombudsman. Throughout his working life Judge Satyanand has made a substantial contribution to legal reform and legal education. He has been active in a range of community, cultural and sporting groups, and maintains an abiding interest in international affairs and New Zealand's relationships with other countries," she stated.

"Judge Satyanand has close ties to Asia and to the Pacific. He is of Indian descent and his parents moved to New Zealand from Fiji. The role of Governor-General in the 21st century is a demanding one. New Zealand is extremely fortunate to have a person of Judge Satyanand's calibre and background who is prepared to serve as New Zealand's next Governor-General," she said in an April statement.

Monarch's representative

According to Wikipedia, the Governor-General is the representative of the New Zealand monarch, which is Queen Elizabeth II at present.

The Governor-General acts as the Queen's vice-regal representative in New Zealand and is often viewed as the de facto head of state.

The functions and role of the Governor-General includes the appointment of ministers and judges, dissolving Parliament, giving royal assent to legislation, issuing writs for elections and bestowing honours.

All the Governor-General's duties are carried out in the name of the British Queen. Beyond constitutional functions, the Governor-General also has an important ceremonial role.

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