The NZ AIDS Foundation says the tradition of Governor-Generals being Foundation patrons is not an automatic appointment, and it will approach incoming Governor-General Anand Satyanand about becoming its patron at the appropriate time. All of New Zealand's Governor-Generals since Sir Paul Reeves through to the current Dame Silvia Cartwright have been asked, and accepted, the role. "Some Governors General have continued their patronage by electing to remain as vice patrons after leaving office, and this is their choice," says NZ AIDS Foundation spokesman Steve Attwood. 61-year-old Satyanand describes himself as a "most-but-not-every-Sunday' Catholic" and has "a harmless liking for elephant ties." He has a background in law, having served as a district court judge from 1982–95, and as an ombudsman up until last year. Friends and colleagues describe him as down-to-earth, and he is nicknamed "Satch".