35 Facts About Catherine Tizard

Catherine Tizard was the first woman to hold either office.

Catherine Tizard attended Matamata College, gaining a University Bursary in her final year, 1948.

In 1949 Catherine Tizard enrolled at Auckland University College, studying zoology.

Between 1972 and 1975 Catherine Tizard's husband was a Cabinet Minister in the Third Labour Government, serving first as Minister of Health and later as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

The family moved to Wellington, and Catherine Tizard commuted to Auckland for council business.

Catherine Tizard served on the committee of her local Playcentre and later became its president.

Catherine Tizard was elected to the Board of Governors of the Eastern Suburbs Secondary Schools.

In 1961 Catherine Tizard returned to university to complete her degree.

Catherine Tizard then taught and worked at the university from 1962 to 1983, during which time she co-authored at least two papers with Patricia Bergquist on sponges, and provided technical assistance as preparator for a third.

From 1976 to 1985 Catherine Tizard appeared on the popular TVNZ chat show Beauty and the Beast, along with Selwyn Toogood and Shona McFarlane.

Catherine Tizard later attributed her success in politics to this show.

Catherine Tizard was elected to the Auckland City Council in 1971 and was re-elected in 1974,1977, and 1980.

Catherine Tizard was elected to the Auckland Regional Authority in 1980, simultaneously running for mayor of Auckland against the incumbent, Sir Dove-Myer Robinson, and councillor Colin Kay.

Catherine Tizard opposed the 1981 Springbok tour, and an attempt to ban Hare Krishna from performing chants on Queen Street.

Catherine Tizard decided to run for mayor of Auckland City again at the 1983 local elections, and won, defeating the incumbent Colin Kay.

Catherine Tizard was the patron of the 99th Police recruit wing in 1985 in which all 75 recruits after graduation were sent to Auckland to serve.

Catherine Tizard was re-elected in 1986, and in 1989 following a major amalgamation of local authorities.

In 1990 Auckland hosted the Commonwealth Games, an event Catherine Tizard had worked to secure for Auckland.

In 1989 Catherine Tizard was appointed by Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand, as the nation's first female governor-general on the advice of Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer.

Catherine Tizard took office on 13 December 1990, causing a by-election for the mayoralty of Auckland.

Catherine Tizard accepted on the proviso that the Queen be informed before her Royal tour in February 1990, and that the leader of the opposition be informed.

Catherine Tizard had been informed of her impending appointment by her former husband Bob Catherine Tizard, who was a member of Cabinet at the time.

Catherine Tizard later commented that this was the only time Bob breached cabinet confidentiality.

Catherine Tizard ended the practice of bowing to the governor-general, declaring, "No New Zealander should have to bow to another".

Catherine Tizard ended the practice of members of staff ceasing to clean whenever she entered the room.

Catherine Tizard asked Sir David Beattie to form a committee, along with three retired appeal court judges, to decide whom to appoint as prime minister.

Catherine Tizard has been a part of New Zealand's growing up.

Catherine Tizard has always said it is a decision for New Zealand to make, and 'whatever decision New Zealand makes, of course we would accept it'.

In December 2004 Catherine Tizard became a member of the NZ Flag.

In 2010 Catherine Tizard published her memoirs, entitled Cat Amongst the Pigeons, a reference to her personal arms.

In December 2012 Catherine Tizard starred in an online video campaign supporting gay marriage, alongside New Zealand singers Anika Moa, Boh Runga, and Hollie Smith, as well as Olympian Danyon Loader.

Catherine Tizard died in Auckland, New Zealand on 31 October 2021, following a long illness.

In 1992, Catherine Tizard was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Law by the University of Auckland.

In 1993, on the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage, Catherine Tizard received the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal.

On 9 October 2007 Catherine Tizard was appointed Honorary Colonel of the 3rd Auckland and Northland Regiment, a largely ceremonial role.