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Download AudioThe Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, has been welcomed back into the bosom of her Ngāti Hine and Ngāpuhi people, and today she meets the motu at Waitangi.
Defence Minister Peeni Henare says yesterday’s welcome to Te Taitokerau at Motatau Marae was emotional for all concerned.
He says the debate over whether today’s welcome at the Treaty Grounds should be led by King Tuheitia had the right outcome.
“My great grandfather’s involvement in the building of that Whare Rūnanga at the top of the Waitangi grounds, he didn’t do it alone. Sir Apirana was a key figure in that. Te Puea Herangi was a key figure in the fundraising and all the preparations for the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi so it’s a good thing a number of tribes will be represented up here today,” Mr Henare says.
He says there is a long history between Māori and Governor-General, but having a Māori Governor-General is always special.
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