This morning, between rain and bursts of brilliant sun, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were welcomed into the Hawke’s Bay region with a beautiful pōwhiri at Waipatu Marae. Waipatu is a hub of impressive community facilities and has been a haven for people displaced by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Their Excellencies met members of the community affected by the cyclone, and toured the marae’s extensive community garden, as well as Māmia, a support unit for mothers and babies. In her speech at the marae, Dame Cindy spoke of how deeply honoured she was that members of the community had come in such numbers to warmly welcome her and Dr Davies to the region.
You can find more images from the beautiful welcome in the pōwhiri at Waipatu Marae image gallery.
Woodford House was the next stop, where the students gathered in the school's historic chapel and performed waiata for Their Excellencies. A tour of the school followed, including a visit to a science lab, and the girls had an opportunity in a Q&A session to ask Dame Cindy about her role.
You can read Dame Cindy's speech via Her Excellency's speech at Woodford House and find more images in the Woodford House image gallery.
The day concluded with a community reception in Havelock North for volunteers, first responders, and a broad range of people from across Hawke's Bay communities who were involved in the response and recovery efforts following Cyclone Gabrielle.
You can read Dame Cindy's speech in Her Excellency's speech at the community reception for Cyclone Gabrielle volunteers and responders.