Although just 16 days into his new job as Governor-General, Lieutenant-general Sir Jerry Mateparae was greeted as a returning friend at Montecillo Veterans Home and Hospital in Dunedin yesterday.
The two-day Dunedin visit is Sir Jerry's first outside Wellington or Auckland in his new role, after he was sworn in on August 31.
In a former role as head of the New Zealand Defence Force, Sir Jerry visited the home for military veterans and their dependants in 2007.
Yesterday, Sir Jerry and his wife Janine, Lady Mateparae, circulated the room, speaking with each resident.
In his speech, Montecillo Trust chairman David More said the visit so soon in Sir Jerry's tenure was an honour.
"We are all conscious of the honour you are giving Montecillo by visiting us so soon after your appointment as Governor-General," Mr More said.
In a brief opening address Sir Jerry commended staff for the job they performed caring for veterans, veterans' wives, and other residents.
He also said he was delighted to have the opportunity to return to Montecillo.
Sir Jerry told the Otago Daily Times his role was more oriented to the community than his previous defence and security posts, and that was a change he would enjoy.
He was hopeful a visit to Christchurch to show support for its earthquake recovery efforts would be able to be organised reasonably soon.
Sir Jerry will today present The Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Awards at John McGlashan College in Dunedin.
