This morning, Dame Cindy was welcomed back onto the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a very special mihi whakatau in the presence of Te Whare Rūnanga. Dame Cindy was supported by her kaumātua Mr Joe Harawira, who spoke beautifully on Her Excellency's behalf, and kuia Mrs Rānui Ngārimu – as well as the Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David Proctor.
The Governor-General spoke in her address of her hope for the future of New Zealand: ‘The possibilities are here to broaden and strengthen kotahitanga across Aotearoa. The ability to realise those possibilities rests within us all – in our hearts, heads, and hands.’
You can find more images in the mihi whakatau at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds image gallery and read Dame Cindy's speech at Dame Cindy's speech for the mihi whakatau at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.