On Friday, Their Excellencies hosted an afternoon tea for staff and supporters of Te Pā at Government House Auckland. Te Pā is a kaupapa Māori organisation supporting whānau who are in the justice system, exiting the system, or are returned from overseas.
In her speech, Dame Cindy remarked: ‘your very apt name Te Pā evokes a village; a community stronghold; a home; and therefore, a place of belonging. I commend your organisation for offering these vulnerable members of our community a safe space, run by compassionate professionals who understand and accept an individual’s past, without letting it define their future.’ You can read Dame Cindy's full speech here: Afternoon tea for Te Pā.
You can view more images from the event here: Afternoon tea for Te Pā.