Lord Plunket, GCMG, KCVO

Governor of New Zealand

1904 - 1910

Born in Ireland in 1864, Sir William Lee Plunket, 5th Baron, was the son of the 4th Baron who was Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland.

He joined the diplomatic service in 1889 but retired two years later to become private secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

He became Governor of New Zealand in 1904 and during his term was a grand master in the Irish constitution of Freemasons. He also took a great interest in the Order of St John and to this day Governors-General are priors of the order.

Lord Plunket is best remembered for his support of Truby-King's early work and gave his name to the Plunket Society. He also donated cricket's Plunket Shield.

Lord Plunket died in 1920.

Biographical information courtesy of NZ Almanack