Arthur Porritt secured his place in Olympic history on 7 July 1924, when he earned a bronze medal in the 100-meter sprint at the Paris Games. This sporting achievement was merely one facet of a life that evolved from competitive athletics into a distinguished career as a military surgeon and the first New Zealand-born Governor-General of his home country.
Academic and Athletic Foundation
Born in Whanganui in 1900, Porritt attended Whanganui Collegiate School before enrolling at the University of Otago in 1920 to pursue medicine. His athletic ability led to a Rhodes Scholarship in 1923, which facilitated his move to Magdalen College, Oxford. During his time as an athlete, he represented New Zealand in two Olympic Games. He served as the team captain for the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics and acted as a member of the International Olympic Committee from 1934 until 1967.
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After beginning his medical tenure at St Mary’s Hospital in 1926, Porritt entered the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1940. His surgical expertise was recognized through high-level appointments, including roles as President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and President of the British Medical Association, both held in 1960. He was also appointed as a consultant surgeon with the rank of brigadier during his wartime service.
Public Service and Vice-Regal Term
In 1967, Porritt returned to New Zealand to accept an appointment as the 11th Governor-General, a position he held until 1972. His tenure represented a significant transition in national governance as the first native-born citizen to occupy the office. Following his time as Governor-General, he returned to England and served as a member of the House of Lords from 1973 until his death in 1994.
Fast facts
- Born: 1900, Whanganui
- Died: 1994, London
- Olympic Medal: Bronze, 100m sprint, 1924
- Governor-General of New Zealand: 1967–1972
- Member of the House of Lords: 1973–1994
- President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England: 1960–1963
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Created Baronet of Hampstead: 25 January 1963
Questions readers ask
Was Arthur Porritt the first New Zealander to serve as Governor-General?
Yes, he was the first New Zealand-born person to hold the office, serving from 1967 to 1972.
Did Porritt win an Olympic medal?
Yes, he won a bronze medal in the 100-meter dash at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George
- Fields: medicine, surgery and sports medicine
