The swearing in of Dame Silvia Cartwright as governor-general meant that five of the country's most powerful political and legal positions were held by women.
Since 1990 Governors-General have represented New Zealand overseas on ceremonial occasions. In June 2004 Dame Silvia Cartwright, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, (centre) and Peter Cartright (right) walked through the Brandenburg Gate as part of Dame Slivia's official visit to Germany.
