The current Governor-General will finish up in August.

A new Governor-General will be announced before the month is up.

The current Head of State representative Sir Jerry Mateparae will finish up his five-year term with a state farewell on 31 August.

So who will take his place and live it up lush at Government House?

Important guests, such as the Royal family, stay with the Governor-General at Government House in Wellington.

Governors General are appointed on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. They tend to be high-ranking individuals in their own right that have contributed to the country, and often have good knowledge of the law.

READ MORE:

* New Zealand Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae delivers new year message

* Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae undergoes heart surgery

Before Mateparae, there was Sir Anand Satyanand, a judge, an ombudsman (and the victim of Paul Henry's race comments). And before him was Dame Silvia Cartwright, another judge, who went on to work for the United Nations.

Mateparae was not a typical pick.

Some called it an inspired choice that seemed to resonate positively with the public, maybe because he was a self-made man - just 17 years old when he entered the military and worked his way to the top.

So hedge your bets on the next winning candidate - we've put together some contenders.

FRONT RUNNERS

Starting off with our more serious picks, Dame Jenny Shipley ticks all the right boxes. She's a former prime minister which would be a point of difference to previous appointments.

And in the same vein, Jim Bolger would be a contender, being the country's two-term leader in the 90s.

Fresh off her spy agency review, we have Dame Patsy Reddy: a lawyer, chief Crown negotiator for Treaty settlements, and state review expert.

Former deputy Prime Minister Sir Don McKinnon was speculated to be in the running last time, could this be his chance?

And because there seems to be a historical legal appetite, Chief Justice Sian Elias may be able to put away her wooden gavel.

AND HERE ARE THE WILDCARDS

Crowd favourites: Soldier Corporal Willie Apiata, Director Sir Peter Jackson (he may be a bit busy), Richie McCaw

Sportstars: Former netball coach Dame Lois Muir, health advocate Sir John Kirwan, Sevens rugby coach Sir Gordon Tietjens, Race Relations Commissioner Susan Devoy

Glamsquad: Director Dame Jane Campion, opera singers Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Dame Malvina Major

Politicians: Politician Fran Wilde, former deputy prime minister Michael Cullen, diplomat Jim McLay

ABOUT THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

The Governor-General is the Queen's representative in New Zealand.

So what do they actually do? The role is largely ceremonial, so they act as patrons of societies and causes, attend events and host people, and represent New Zealand on an international level.

But there is a constitutional role played as well, including signing of bills when they're passed into law, and the writ that dissolves Parliament before a general election is held, appointing the government after an election, and giving the Speech from the Throne at the State Opening of Parliament.