Ngāti Porou Hauora is the sole primary healthcare provider for a challenging geographic area that stretches over 200km of Tairāwhiti coastline. This morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited Te Puia Springs Hospital, where they met staff and patients and toured the facilities. Built in 1903 with gifted use of land and support from Te Whānau a Iritekura, Te Puia Springs Hospital was initially used to care for returning soldiers suffering from tuberculosis, and later a maternity annex was added. Dr Davies has his own very personal connection with the hospital, where he spends periods working as a locum and relieving doctor.
You can find more images from Their Excellencies' time at the hospital in the Te Puia Springs image gallery.
They then travelled to Ruatoria for the investiture ceremony of Ta Selwyn Parata KNZM, which took place in the presence of many hundreds of proud and joyful Ngāti Porou, as well as iwi from across Aotearoa, and distinguished guests including former Prime Ministers, a former Chief Justice, and former and current Government Ministers.
You can find more images in the investiture ceremony for Ta Selwyn Parata KNZM image gallery and read Dame Cindy's speech via Her Excellency's speech at the investiture ceremony for Ta Selwyn Parata KNZM.