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Overview
Between 1 May 2006 - 24 January 2011, HE Lt Gen the Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM, QSO (Ngati Tuwharetoa and Ngati Kahungunu), served as the Chief of Defence of the New Zealand Defence Forces, a remarkable epoch in a long military career. Enlisting in 1972, Sir Jerry rose through the ranks to become the first Māori Chief of Defence in the history of the military - the highest commanding rank possible in the defence forces in 2011. At the conclusion of his service as Chief of Defence, he was subsequently appointed as Governor General, the second Māori to do so, a role he continues to perform.
This uniform that you see here is a Ceremonial Service Dress All Ranks uniform, and was worn by Sir Jerry during his time as Chief of Defence Force. Known as Service Dress, it is worn by all ranks of the NZ Army on formal occasions and directly influenced by the khaki British Army service dress adopted by the New Zealand Army in the early 20th century. This uniform consists of long dress trousers, a short sleeved shirt and tie, and the service dress jacket. The trousers and jacket are made from drab-coloured serge fabric, by Albion Clothing in Christchurch. There are two patch pockets with box pleats on the breast, and two bellows pockets on the lower part of the jacket (called the skirt). The anodised brass buttons are removable and feature the words ‘New Zealand Defence’ with the 4 stars of the Southern Cross.
While this uniform was issued to All Ranks, there are a number of specific symbols on this uniform - on the breast, shoulders and upper arm - which distinguishes Sir Jerry’s very high rank and the corps to which he belonged or commanded.