Sir Denis Blundell was a distinguished lawyer, cricketer, and diplomat.
He was born in Wellington in 1907 and went on to study law at Cambridge University, where he also distinguished himself as a first-class cricketer. He was admitted to the Bar of England and Wales in 1929.
By 1930, Sir Denis was back in New Zealand, where he pursued a career in law. A talented fast bowler, he continued playing cricket after his return to New Zealand, representing the country internationally. He would later serve as President of the New Zealand Cricket Board from 1959 to 1962.
Law Career
Sir Denis was a partner in the highly-regarded Wellington law firm of Bell Gully from 1936 to 1968, and served as President of the New Zealand Law Society for six years. He was knighted in the 1967 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to the legal profession. The following year he was appointed New Zealand High Commissioner (Ambassador) to the United Kingdom, holding the position until 1972.
In 1972, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Sir Denis as Governor General, marking the first time the position was awarded to a New Zealand resident.
Sir Denis Blundell with Prince Charles
Further reading:
Governor-General Official Biography
