[9][5] She then taught and worked at the university from 1962 to 1983,[5] during which time she co-authored at least two papers with Patricia Bergquist on sponges,[10][11] and provided technical assistance as preparator for a third.

[12] From 1976 to 1985 Tizard appeared on the popular TVNZ chat show Beauty and the Beast, along with Selwyn Toogood and Shona McFarlane.

[15] Tizard opposed the 1981 Springbok tour, and an attempt to ban Hare Krishna from performing chants on Queen Street.

[16] Tizard decided to run for mayor of Auckland City again at the 1983 local elections, and won, defeating the incumbent Colin Kay.

[20] In 1989 Tizard was appointed by Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand, as the nation's first female governor-general on the advice of Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer.

She asked Sir David Beattie to form a committee, along with three retired appeal court judges, to decide whom to appoint as prime minister.

[27] Upon Tizard's retirement from office, Sir Geoffrey Palmer, who had nominated her, stated: "She has been a powerful, yes a presidential public presence.

In 2004 Tizard stated that she supported a New Zealand republic "in principle" and when she was governor-general, had discussed the issue of republicanism with the Queen: "She is quite sanguine about these things.

"[28] In December 2004 Tizard became a member of the NZ Flag.com Trust, supporting a referendum on whether the New Zealand flag should be changed.

[31] In December 2012 Tizard starred in an online video campaign supporting gay marriage, alongside New Zealand singers Anika Moa, Boh Runga, and Hollie Smith, as well as Olympian Danyon Loader.

[33] In the 1985 New Year Honours, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, for public and community service.

[35] In the 2002 Queen's Birthday and Golden Jubilee Honours, Tizard was appointed an Additional Member of the Order of New Zealand.

[38] On 9 October 2007 Tizard was appointed Honorary Colonel of the 3rd Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) and Northland Regiment, a largely ceremonial role.