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Cindy KiroGovernor-General of New Zealand from 21 October 2021
Date of Birth: 02.07.1958
Country:  New Zealand |
Content:
- Cindy Kiro
- Education
- Work in Healthcare and Education
- Education
- Chancellor of the Royal Society of New Zealand
- Governor-General of New Zealand
- Role
- Personal Life
Cindy Kiro
Early Life and FamilyCindy Kiro was born on July 2, 1958, in Whangarei, New Zealand. Her parents, Norman Simpson and Ngawaiunu Kiro, came from different backgrounds: her father was of English descent, while her mother was Māori from the Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu, and Ngāti Hine iwi. Kiro spent her early years in a working-class family, and her mother's maiden name was used as the family's surname.
Education
Kiro attended Rutherford College, where she became fluent in Māori. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from the University of Auckland in 1987. Continuing her education, she received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Auckland in 1992 and a PhD in Social Sciences from Massey University in 2001.
Work in Healthcare and Education
HealthcareKiro worked extensively in the healthcare sector, holding positions such as General Manager of Māori Health at the Auckland District Health Board and Director of Health Finance in Wellington. She also served as the Director of the Waiora Centre for Māori Health Research at Massey University.
Education
Kiro later transitioned to academia. She was a Commissioner for Children from 2003 to 2009, becoming the first woman and first Māori to hold that role. As an Associate Professor and Head of the School of Public Health at Massey University from 2009 to 2012, she focused on social and health issues affecting Māori communities. From 2014 to 2018, she was a Professor and Head of Te Kura Māori Education School at Victoria University of Wellington. Kiro also played a significant role in Māori language revitalization efforts.
Chancellor of the Royal Society of New Zealand
In 2020, Kiro became the Chief Executive of the Royal Society of New Zealand, the first Māori and second woman to hold the position. She continued her work in promoting the use of Māori language in science and education.
Governor-General of New Zealand
AppointmentOn May 24, 2021, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Kiro's appointment as Governor-General of New Zealand. She was sworn into office on October 21, 2021, becoming the first Māori woman, the fourth woman, and the 22nd Governor-General of New Zealand.
Role
Kiro is a representative of the Crown in New Zealand. She carries out constitutional and ceremonial duties, but she does not have any real political power. She has expressed an interest in fostering reconciliation between Māori and non-Māori New Zealanders.
Personal Life
Kiro has been married twice. Her first marriage to architect Chris Kuchel lasted for 30 years, and they had two sons together. She is currently married to general practitioner Richard Davies. Kiro enjoys hiking and has two pet pugs.
