New Aide for Government House

13 July 2009

A new lawyer has joined the ranks of Government House staff.

Army officer and former legal clerk Captain (Capt) Ian Auld is filling a 12-month appointment as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor-General, Hon Sir Anand Satyanand and Lady Satyanand.  

Capt Auld stands next to His Excellency Mr Chum Sounry during a Credentials Ceremony held at Vogel House (OH09-0421-034).

The Governor-General was formally a lawyer, district court judge and ombudsman.

Capt Auld’s role, as a part of the programme team at Government House, will be to ensure the smooth and seamless execution of Sir Anand and Lady Satyanand’s programme, both within New Zealand and abroad. Capt Auld will also have the chance to meet foreign dignitaries and travel to different countries.

“I see my new position as a unique and exciting opportunity and I am ready to grab it with two hands and run with it,” says Capt Auld.

Capt Auld joined the New Zealand Army Territorial Force in 2006 while completing a Double Degree in Law and Science (Biochemistry and Genetics) at Otago University. After graduating and finding employment with Russell McVeagh as a law clerk the position as ADC arose and Capt Auld put his name in for selection.

“I joined the Territorial Force to develop my leadership qualities and build skill sets which I believe you don’t get in any other organisation,” says Capt Auld.

“My colleagues at Russell McVeagh were extremely supportive of my decision.”

There are two ADCs at Government House, who are selected from the Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force officers.

The job demands long days and frequent travel to attend official visits and events. Capt Auld will also have the opportunity to work with other organisations and agencies which normally wouldn’t be afforded in a standard Army role. He will conduct official duties at formal state functions, investitures and ceremonies. 

ENDS

For more information please contact Major Kristian Dunne, Media Adviser (Army) on 04 496 0285, or 021 478 574.

Background Notes:

Capt Auld was born and raised in New Plymouth where he attended primary and intermediate school. Capt Auld attended secondary school at Wanganui Collegiate from 1997 to 2001 where he was Head Boy. While at high school he competed at a national level in athletics and was selected on school exchanges to China and South Africa.

While studying at Otago University Capt Auld received a scholarship with Russell McVeagh. In his final year of study he was accepted on an exchange programme with Queens University Law School in Ontario, Canada. On return to New Zealand Capt Auld began work with Russell McVeagh.

Capt Auld undertook his Territorial Force officer training at the officer Cadet School in Waiouru in 2006. Capt Auld received the Charles Upham Sword for the top officer cadet at completion of his training.