This afternoon, to begin Her Excellency's time in the beautiful Bay of Islands for Waitangi commemorations, Dame Cindy was welcomed with a stirring pōwhiri onto Te Tiriti o Waitangi Marae. The pōwhiri marked the first time that Her Excellency had visited the historic and newly-developed marae during her term as Governor-General.
In her address, Dame Cindy remarked on the deep manaakitanga she felt, and her reflections on Te Tiriti as Governor-General: 'I am sure that the true measure of a nation is to be found in our capacity for generosity and selflessness; and to be there for one another, across all boundaries of difference and diverse experiences as iwi Māori and tangata Tiriti – just as the Treaty asks.'
You can read Dame Cindy's full speech via the following link: Pōwhiri at Te Tiriti o Waitangi Marae.
You can find more images via the following link: Pōwhiri at Te Tiriti o Waitangi Marae