Sir Michael Hardie Boys Photo: Supplied
Former Governor-General Sir Michael Hardie Boys has died aged 92.
Sir Michael was the Governor-General from 1996 to 2001.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to him on social media in announcing the death.
"His distinguished life of service to New Zealand was one of dedication and reliability," Luxon wrote.
"Sir Michael epitomised what it is to be a great New Zealander. Our thoughts are with his family at this time."
Current Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro has also paid tribute to Sir Michael, who guided New Zealand through its first MMP elections.
"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," said Dame Cindy in a statement.
"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.
"On behalf of all New Zealanders, Dr Davies and I extend our sincerest condolences to Sir Michael's whānau at this sad time."
I’m saddened by the death of Sir Michael Hardie Boys, the 17th Governor-General of New Zealand.
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) December 30, 2023
His distinguished life of service to New Zealand was one of dedication and reliability.
Sir Michael epitomised what it is to be a great New Zealander. Our thoughts are with his…
Sir Michael was born in 1931 in Wellington.
A former High Court and Court of Appeal judge, he was chosen to oversee the first two elections held under the MMP system, because of his legal experience.
"Sir Michael guided New Zealand into the MMP era," Luxon said in a statement.
"Sir Michael was a figure of stability during a time of significant constitutional change."
He was knighted in 1995 and the following year became the first Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Sir Michael believed Governors-General had a duty to speak out about the community's concerns - which he did, commenting on inequality, family violence and child abuse.
In 1980, he was appointed a judge of the High Court.
He told RNZ in a past interview he found dealing with the variety of people who passed through his court a satisfying experience but did not enjoy passing sentence.
"You're balancing the needs of society and the proper feeling of the victim, that some due punishment ought to be meted out, and the common thread in almost every case was a deprived family background, assaults during childhood, drop out from school, drug abuse ... it's such a familiar, sorry pattern."
When his vice-regal term ended in April 2001, he retired from public life.
"On the role of the Governor-General more broadly, Sir Michael noted 'there is still more to the office than the official smile, the genteel wave and the memory of plumed helmets of yesteryear,'" the Governor-General's office said in its statement.
In accordance with Sir Michael's wishes, a state funeral will not be held.
Further details will follow from the family in due course.
