Archbishop likely Governor

Press, 29 March 1985, Page 4

Archbishop likely Governor

BY

OLIVER RIDDELL

in Wellington The Anglican primate of New Zealand, the Rt Rev. Paul Reeves, is tipped to be named today as the next Governor-General. He is expected to succeed the former High Court judge, Sir David Beattie, who began his five-year term late in 1980 and is due to retire in October or November this year. Archbishop Reeve’s name was one of five mentioned in recent weeks as possible successors to Sir David. The Government was keen to have someone of Maori background or a woman as the new Governor-General. Others mentioned included the Northland Maori

leader. Sir James Henare; the High Commissioner in

Delhi, Sir Edmund Hillary; the Mayor of Auckland, Dame Catherine Tizard; or a former Chief of General Staff, Major-General Brian Poananga. Sir James Henare and Dame Catherine Tizard were thought to be other front-runners. But at the age of 73, Sir James was thought to be too old, while for Dame Catherine after only 18 months as Mayor, elevation was thought to be too soon. For her, also, there was the added disadvantage of being the divorced wife of a member of the present Labour Cabinet. No Government officials would comment yesterday on whether Archbishop

Reeves had been chosen. The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, is expected to make a formal announcement this afternoon about Sir David’s successor. The initial announcement would come from the Queen through Government House, followed by a detailed statement from Parliament. The Government has indicated that it wants a break with tradition in the new appointment, and Archbishop Reeves would certainly provide that. He would be both the first Maori and the first clergyman to become GovernorGeneral. At the age of 53, he would also be one of the youngest Governors-General New Zealand has had.