The Nelson Mail
March 22 2001
From private to public figure
Karen Howard, NZPA
Yesterday
Governor-General Sir Michael Hardie Boys was given a
state farewell from the role that has seen him turn from a very private person
into a public figure.
Sir Michael Hardie Boys was given one piece of advice
by his predecessor Dame Catherine Tizard when he
became governor-general five years ago -- ``be yourself''.
But being himself then isn't necessarily that same thing as being himself now.
You change a bit during the course of job, he says.
A 1996 profile of Sir Michael portrays a guarded man -- quite different to the
relaxed, friendly gentleman who appears at ease chatting about almost anything
during his final days as the Queen's representative.
"I think I've learned to become a bit more confident and more open,'' the
former Court of Appeal judge admits.
"On the bench you get a fairly warped view of society.
"I've always known that life wasn't really like that but I think in this
job it's opened up to me so much more in terms of the really good things in
this country.''
Some of that goodness has flowed from a wide range of people he has met in the
job, including those he has bestowed honours upon.
"I think we've had over 20,000 people come to this house each year.''
But along with the public engagements has come public speaking -- something he
was not too keen on before becoming governor-general.
That too has changed -- he has made more than 700 speeches during the last five
years.
"I quite enjoy doing that now, if you've got time to think about it and
you've got something to say.''
In making those speeches Sir Michael has always exercised diplomacy, carefully
choosing his words so as not to become embroiled in politics.
"I must not appear to be endorsing or criticising government policy or
supporting opposition policy.
"Certainly in this role, the moment you start to become political I think
you lose the sort of impact you can have.''
Politicians don't "sit'' on him, he says, although Sir Michael concedes
the line between what he can and can't do is occasionally "tricky'' to
negotiate.
"Sometimes -- and this goes back over five years -- I've thought, `no, I
better not'.''
The Crown's representation at Waitangi Day celebrations in Waitangi is one such
issue where Sir Michael has trod carefully, always falling into line with the
government of the day even if he did not necessarily agree with its decision.
Cabinet this year decided no ministers of the Crown should be represented at
Waitangi although two Maori ministers, Parekura Horomia and Tariana Turia, ended up attending anyway.
"I was frankly disappointed not to be able to go back this year,'' Sir
Michael says.
"I made it clear I wanted to go if that was possible.
"It was a cabinet decision and I was formally advised and I had to act on
that.''
But Waitangi isn't all that brought Sir Michael dangerously close to politics.
He was also had to oversee the introduction of the mixed member proportional
(MMP) electoral system.
Leading up to the first MMP election he made several speeches on the subject --
"it was very frightening'', he says.
"I knew it was my ultimate responsibility to ensure that we had a
government to appoint a prime minister.
"I think it was all understood and we had no real difficulties at all over
the outcome of the first election.''
But Sir Michael admits the time that it took for a coalition -- eventually of
National and New Zealand First -- to be formed was a little concerning.
"If it had gone on far too long I knew I would have to try and hurry them
along somehow.''
Asked if the system should be retained, Sir Michael returns to treading cautiously.
"All I can say is it does seem to have worked satisfactorily in
constitutional terms but whether we should retain it is really a political
question.''
As governor-general Sir Michael has had the unenviable task of considering
applications from convicted criminals seeking royal pardons.
Cases which have come before him include those of convicted paedophile Peter
Ellis and David Bain, convicted of murdering his family.
What most people don't understand is that decisions about such applications are
effectively made by cabinet, he says.
"All the applications go to the minister of justice who sets a team of
lawyers and investigators to look into them and write a report. "It comes to me with a recommendation.
"Now and again I've said, `Look, I'd like to know a little bit more about
this and what about so and so.'''
In every case Sir Michael was happy with the form that it came back to him in
and says he hasn't differed from the conclusion.
Sir Michael believes publicity is causing more and more people to test their
verdicts.
"People in jail are learning, `Oh we can do this -- it might be worth
trying.''
But he maintains the system works well.
Another case which came before the governor-general in 1996 was that of
convicted rapist David Dougherty whose case was referred back to the Court of
Appeal court for a retrial, resulting in his acquittal.
"That showed the system ... is open to people to show they've had an
injustice done.''
Modestly Sir Michael says he can not list his greatest achievements in the job.
He just hopes he has provided support to the many good people he has met.
"I'd like to think that I've encouraged some young people to strive hard.
"I'd like to think in some of the things I've said, I've given people
something to think about.''
His eight grandchildren, all aged under eight, have
certainly been exercising their minds in the lead-up to their Grandpa's
departure from the stately
"The children love tearing up and down the corridors on little trikes and hitting balls around the place -- they're going
to miss that.''
Sir Michael is anxious not to be in the way of his successor, Dame Silvia
Cartwright.
"I've said most of the things I think I wanted to say and I think it's
time somebody else has a crack at it.''
In what is fast becoming a time honoured tradition, he holds only two important
words of wisdom for her -- "be yourself''.