Today Dame Patsy and Sir David attended the ceremony to mark the return of Pūkaha Reserve to Rangitāne, as part of the iwi's Treaty of Waitangi settlement.
As representative of the Queen of New Zealand, Dame Patsy spoke about the beginning of a new chapter for Rangitāne. During the ceremony, Dame Patsy wore a korowai, incorporating weka and kiwi feathers. Woven by Rose Bittle, the cloak took three years to complete.
After Dame Patsy spoke, the korowai was handed to Jason Kerehi, Chairperson, Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā Trust and from him to each succeeding speaker. The korowai will be permanently displayed in the Pūkaha Visitor Centre.
Today's ceremony marks the beginning of a year of celebration for Rangitāne. 12 months from now, they will officially gift Pūkaha to the people of New Zealand
