It was a very special day for Dame Cindy and her whānau in Northland, as she was formally welcomed onto Mōtatau Marae in recognition of her appointment as Governor-General. During the welcome, Dame Cindy was presented with an exquisite korowai – Te Ata o te Whenua – made especially for Her Excellency as a token of deepest aroha, pride, and esteem from Te Tai Tokerau. The name translates as 'the Shadow over the Land'.
![Dame Cindy addressing the marae in her korowai](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_full_column/public/2022-05/gg-may22-motatau%20754.jpg?itok=nt3IStab)
You can find more images from the day here, and read Dame Cindy's speech here.