New Zealand's first indigenous Māori woman to be named governor-general, Dame Cindy Kiro, was formally sworn in Parliament in Wellington on Thursday. Her role as the representative of Queen Elizabeth II in the South Pacific nation is largely ceremonial. Under New Zealand's constitutional system, the British monarch remains the nation's head of state although doesn't wield any real day-to-day power. Kiro took her oath in both Maori and English when she was sworn in to a five-year term. After the swearing-in ceremony, Kiro said she plans to reach out to people marginalized by issues like homelessness, addiction and discrimination. She emphasized the need to build community spirit through outreach and said she wants to celebrate society's unsung heroes. "I will connect with new migrants and former refugees and celebrate the many diverse cultures and religions gifted to our nation by those who have chosen to make New Zealand their home," Kiro said at the ceremony. Kiro, 63, has had a long career advocating for children. She was given the honorific Dame for her services to the community and says she hopes to inspire Maori girls. "We are living through a period of immense uncertainty and anxiety," Kiro said. "And I wish to acknowledge those in Auckland, and all around the country, who continue to face disruptions caused by COVID-19." In her speech, she also vowed to be a champion of the Te Reo Maori language. "In my lifetime, I've also seen a remarkable shift in attitudes toward Te Reo Maori," she said. "It's a joy to see so many New Zealanders eager to learn the language, as it is by far the best portal to an understanding of Te Ao Maori — and I will continue to try and champion it," Kiro said. Te Reo Maori became an official language of New Zealand in 1987, alongside English. The Maoris are the country's largest ethnic minority, representing 16.5 percent of the population. They remain both economically and socially disadvantaged. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recalled being impressed by Kiro when they first met at Massey University after Ardern sought Kiro's advice on child wellbeing. "Alongside her patience in response to my many questions, it was Dame Cindy's compassion, knowledge and focus that stood out to me," Ardern said. "She was passionate about what she was doing then and she has remained so, in every single endeavor." Kiro has said her mixed Maori and British heritage have helped give her a good understanding of New Zealand history and the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document signed by Maori and British. Kiro grew up in humble circumstances and said her career had been driven by a sense of the importance of service. Kiro takes over the role from Patsy Reddy, who is also a Dame. The governor-general carries out a number of constitutional duties in the former British colony, including officially signing bills into law and presiding over many public ceremonies. — Agencies
