11 Jul 2011

Governor-General admitted to hospital

12:52 pm on 11 July 2011

The Governor-General, Sir Anand Satyanand, has been taken to hospital suffering from a chest infection.

Government House says Sir Anand, 66, was taken to Auckland Hospital on Monday morning, having suffering from the infection for the past few days. He has been admitted to a ward as a precaution.

Government House spokesperson Antony Paltridge says Sir Anand is on intravenous antibiotics and is feeling a lot better.

The Governor-General is able to carry out his his constitutional roles such as signing legislation, Mr Paltridge says, but some community engagements will have to be cancelled.

Mr Paltridge says Sir Anand's wife Lady Susan is at his bedside.

Sir Anand finishes his term as Governor-General in August and his replacement, Lieutenant-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, will be sworn in for a five-year term.