Prince praises NZ’s healing work
Charles’ speech at Treaty grounds refers to work put into correcting mistakes made in ‘painful periods’ of nation’s past
Prince Charles has spoken of the work put into Treaty of Waitangi settlements to fix mistakes made during “painful periods” in New Zealand’s past. The comments came during a speech at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, last visited by the royal family 25 years ago.
That time it was Charles too. This time, he was accompanied by his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
More than 500 people came to see the couple and hear Charles’ speech, delivered from Te Whare Ru¯nanga.
It was a day of sun, of humour and of tikanga. The couple were welcomed by challenge and by speech, with Ngati Hine’s Hirini Henare directing the royals to the historical significance of Waitangi.
He talked of the promises made when the Treaty was signed in 1840.
It was a theme to which Charles turned in his 13-minute speech.
“As long as I have known this country I have been struck by the commitment of her people to what is right, even when it is not easy,” he told the crowd. “New Zealand has faced up to the most painful periods of her past in a way that offers an example to the rest of the world.
“She has done so with courage, compassion and tolerance, qualities
which, it seems to me, define the New Zealand character and were displayed so conspicuously following the recent atrocity in Christchurch.
“The Treaty settlements do not, and cannot, right all the wrongs of the past. They can only go so far in easing the pain that has been felt by so many people,” the Prince of Wales said.
The formal part of the visit over, Charles and Camilla planted a tree, met and embraced the great waka Ngatokimatawhaorua and strolled the grounds to chat with the crowds.
About 10 elderly residents from Baycare rest home in Paihia had waited eagerly to see the couple.
Activities co-ordinator Pauline Ferris said their oldest resident, Lena Walker, 107, got to sit behind the Prince Charles and Camilla during speeches. Lena is believed to be the oldest person in Northland.
“It’s the icing on the cake for the residents to see Prince Charles,” Ferris said.
Youngsters from the Paihia Early Childhood Centre were thrilled to meet the Prince and the Duchess.
Atahai, 3, said the Prince had told her “I had a really pretty name”.
The centre’s head teacher, Sammy Caldwell, said it was amazing to see the couple up close.
“It’s really special and I think our children will remember it for the rest of their lives.”
The Prince heard from the young entrepreneurs about their business plans and their hopes for the future, before crossing the road to visit Paihia Fire Station to meet volunteers.
Meanwhile, the Duchess headed to Kerikeri Primary School to learn about its Enviroschools programme and Garden to Table, a parent-run scheme in which children grow vegetables and fruit then learn how to prepare them.
The couple have a day off today before they head to Christchurch.