NZ gets Indian origin governor general

Wellington: Amid trumpets and a 21-gun salute, Anand Satyanand, a person of Indian origin (PIO), was on Wednesday sworn in on the steps of Parliament as New Zealand's new governor general.

Satyanand, 62, has thus become New Zealand's first governor general of Asian descent.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Prime Minister Helen Clark, Chief Justice Sian Elias, MPs, as well as dignitaries from the judiciary, diplomatic and defence forces.

Calling the role an ‘extraordinary privilege’, Satyanand said he was committed to doing the best for New Zealand.

"New Zealand's culture and identity is now a blend of Maori, European, Pacific Island and Asian influences."

Satyanand said he wanted to see the country's strengths and positive aspects discussed, affirmed and celebrated.

"And let us strengthen, foster and encourage trust among the various communities that make up New Zealand. That will make us strong."

In near perfect weather Wednesday, Satyanand acknowledged his Indo-Fijian parentage.

"I want also to pay deference to my linkage with Fiji, where my parents were born and raised. They came to this country in the 1920s and 1930s to undertake their lives in the New Zealand community," he said.

"I acknowledge also my Indian origin, with four grandparents who migrated from that country to Fiji."

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Concluding the speech, he quoted a saying from Mahatma Gandhi to reflect New Zealand's rapidly diversifying culture.

"To end, may I paraphrase the words of Mahatma Gandhi by expressing the hope that New Zealand will be 'a place where all winds can blow without us being blown over by any of them'."

Satyanand was born in Auckland on July 22, 1944, and raised in New Zealand. His grandparents had migrated from India to Fiji at the turn of the 20th century, while his parents took up residence in New Zealand from Fiji following completion of their education.

After attending Auckland schools, he graduated with a law degree from the University of Auckland in 1970. It was the year he married Susan Sharpe and the couple has three children.

Satyanand spent 12 years in practice in Auckland, Palmerston North, Waitakere and Otahuhu before becoming a district court judge in 1982, holding warrants for both criminal and civil jurisdictions.