Sir Jerry proves adept at diplomacy

He is the Queen's representative in New Zealand, recently the country's top soldier and a Maori who is visiting Waitangi for the first time as Governor-General.

But yesterday Sir Jerry Mateparae was happy to stop by and chew the fat with workers at a Kerikeri timber mill ahead of today's official powhiri at Waitangi's Te Tii Marae.

About 80 staff at Mt Pokaka Timber Products met the former New Zealand Defence chief of staff and his wife, Lady Janine, when their itinerary included the visit to the successful business. Earlier, the vice-regal couple had called in at Kerikeri's Mill Gym.

Sir Jerry told Mt Pokaka managing director Mark Hewitt and the staff he was impressed with what he had heard about the company's growth, stability and reputation as a good employer.

"What's so good about your boss?" he quipped.

After Sir Jerry addressed the workers he introduced his own group - he had arrived with a contingent that included a kuia, kaumatua, Far North Mayor Wayne Brown, Deputy Mayor Sally MacCauley, security personnel and public relations staff.

After inviting questions, he neatly diverted one query about how he got on with Prime Minister John Key.

Sir Jerry explained his own job was a diplomatic one while Mr Key's was political.

"Make no doubt about it, he runs the country while I get to do all the good stuff."

Mr Hewitt thanked the Governor-General for visiting after the original itinerary had been altered due to problems with flights. He said when the timber products company started 21 years ago his father had said good staff would ensure the business remained "green and growing".

"We've got a very high calibre of workers here," he told Sir Jerry. 'I'm sure you would have been proud to have any one of them in your army. I'm really proud of them all."

Sir Jerry will be visiting Waitangi today and tomorrow for Waitangi Day commemorations.