Retirement
On her retirement from office, Sir Geoffrey Palmer, who had nominated Dame Catherine for the office, stated, "She has been a powerful, yes a presidential public presence. She has been a part of New Zealand's growing up."
In 2004, Dame Catherine stated that she supported a New Zealand republic "in principle" and when she was Governor-General, had discussed the issue of republicanism with the Queen: "She is quite sanguine about these things. She 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, Dame Catherine Tizard became a member of the NZ Flag.com Trust, supporting a referendum on whether the New Zealand flag should be changed. She said, "Our present flag served a young post-colonial country well, but the time has come to consider a change which more appropriately recognises our changed identity and confidence in ourselves. Let's find out what the country thinks of the idea of a change."
In 2007, Dame Catherine supported former Mayor of Auckland, Dick Hubbard's campaign for re-election as mayor at the local body elections. On 9 October 2007 she was appointed Honorary Colonel of the 3rd Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) and Northland Regiment, a largely ceremonial role.
Changes to the rules in 2006 granted her the use of the title The Honourable for life, as a consequence of having been Governor-General.
In 2010 Dame Catherine published her memoirs, entitled Cat Amongst the Pigeons, a reference to her personal arms (see description below).
In December 2012, 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.
Read more about this topic: Catherine Tizard
Famous quotes containing the word retirement:
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—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
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—Jeremy Taylor (1613–1667)
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—Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914)