A large contingent of Whanganui people are in Wellington for the official ceremony to swear in Lieutenant-General Sir Jerry Mateparae as the next Governor-General.
Sir Jerry is to be sworn in as Governor-General at Parliament at 11.30 am on Wednesday.
He affiliates to a number of iwi including Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Kahungunu, Tuhoe and the upper Whanganui river tribes.
Sir Jerry was born and educated in Whanganui and raised in the seaside suburb of Castlecliff.
A Taranaki iwi member says he likens the next Governor-General to the late Sir Paul Reeves.
Former Te Tai Tonga MP Mahara Okeroa says both the late Sir Paul Reeves and Sir Jerry originated from humble beginnings and are inclusive leaders with the ability to carry the people with them.
He says while Sir Paul started his career as a vicar, Sir Jerry began as a private.
Mr Okeroa says on behalf of his Taranaki iwi he would like to offer him his sincere congratulations.
Sir Jerry relieves the office from Sir Anand Satyanand who has served as Governor-General since 2006.
