Born to Scottish parents, Catherine McLean grew up in the rural Waikato. She attended Auckland University College, married before completing her degree, and became a full-time wife and mother. In 1961 she returned to study, becoming a tutor in zoology at her old university. She entered local politics in 1971, and in 1983 was elected mayor of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. During her seven years in office, the city developed as an international venue for sports and the arts, in addition to its position as a major commercial hub. In 1990 she became New Zealand’s first woman governor-general. Among the many distinctions she received were the Freedom of the City of London and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Auckland.

A strong supporter of community, environmental, educational, and women’s causes, Catherine Tizard brought a distinctive style to her viceregal duties. She opened up Government House to many groups of citizens who were made welcome to “State House One”, creating the sense that it was their home as well as hers. Her patronage of a wide range of charities and community groups went far beyond routine duties, and she took a passionate and practical interest in helping women who had been disadvantaged in any way to move forward. Her commitment to the values of justice, equality, and service set the path for others to follow.