Waitangi pōwhiri welcomes Dame Cindy Kiro

Apōwhiri at Waitangi Treaty Grounds yesterday officially recognised Dame Cindy Kiro as governor-general, representing all Māori and the nation. Kirowas brought on to the grounds by Ngāti Hine and Taitokerau Māori, ceremoniously bringing her to the nation in her role. Raised in Northland, she is the first wāhine Māori to be governor-general. About 200 invited guests welcomed their kin to Waitangi. Among them was Kiingi Tūheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII. Kiingitanga chief of staff Ngira Simmonds said the Māori Kingwas honoured to sit with hapū and iwi of Te Taitokerau. ‘‘This will be the first meeting between Kiingi Tūheitia and the governor-general. It will be a unique Crown-to-Crown engagement, as Dame Cindy represents the Queen. Their kōrero will include the common interests of the Treaty partners, particularly in these times of great change and uncertainty as the world recovers from the global pandemic.’’