Tizard, Catherine (1931–)

New Zealand educator and politician. Name variations: Dame Cath Tizard. Born Catherine Anne Maclean on April 4, 1931; only child of Neil Maclean and Helen Maclean (both Scottish immigrants); educated at Waharoa Primary School, Matamata College, University of Auckland (BA); m. Robert James Tizard, in 1951 (div. 1983); children: Anne Francis, Linda Catherine, Nigel Robert and Judith Tizard (politician).

Lecturer in zoology at Auckland University who was the 1st woman to be elected mayor of Auckland and the 1st woman to be appointed governor-general of New Zealand; grew up in a working-class community in New Zealand; met and became engaged to Robert (Bob) Tizard during the 2nd year of her Arts Degree at Auckland University; married (1951) and had 4 children within 6 years; left in charge of home and family, while husband's political career flourished and he spent much of his time in Wellington (capital of New Zealand); returned to university and took courses in zoology (1961); eased herself into university teaching; took an interest in civic affairs; elected to the Auckland City Council (1971); made several tv appearances and widely broadened her public-speaking experience; elected mayor of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city—the 1st Labour mayor and the 1st woman to hold the post (1983); re-elected twice and, during 3rd term of office, was offered the position of governor-general of New Zealand (1990), an appointment she held until Mar 1996. Named Dame commander of the British Empire (DBE, 1985); received Freedom of the City of London (1990); named Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG, 1990) and Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO, 1995); received Companion of the Queen's Service Order (QSO, 1996).

See also Women in World History.