In February, a scheduled visit to Bluff's Te Rau Aroha Marae was postponed because of Level Two protocols around the size of public gatherings.
After a very special trip to Whenua Hou yesterday to see the kakapo programme in action, which included meeting a five-year old kakapo named Ian, Dame Patsy and Sir David were welcomed at Te Rau Aroha Marae this morning.
Te Rau Aroha is our southern-most marae and is renowned for its unusual octaganal shape (based on on whare-rau - leaf covered dwellings) and the remarkable carvings, sculpture and decorations designed by Cliff Whiting.
Today Dame Patsy recalled the Ngai Tahu Marae she has visited in her term, and acknowledged the opportunities those visits have given her to learn about New Zealand history. Today Dame Patsy also presented Muriel Johnstone with her insignia for an MNZM, visited the local early learning centre and toured the marae vegetable gardens.
