Tuahiwi welcomes royalty
Nga¯i Tu¯a¯huriri has done Waimakariri proud, after welcoming Dutch royalty onto Tuahiwi Marae on Tuesday morning. The royal couple were welcomed onto the marae with a po¯whiri and haka, before meeting with kaumatua and Nga¯i Tahu youth to discuss the iwi’s future economic development and plans.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Ma´xima were described as a down to earth couple by those who spoke to them. future and what their thoughts on state of the European Union and area for Nga¯i Tahu. As the royal
There were four tables of youth the iwi’s development were. were interested in trade with New couple left, Tuahiwi resident and in the wharenui (main hall of the ‘‘It was quite rushed to get Zealand. ‘‘They were interested in Dutch national Mariet Wise called marae), which the king, queen your point across, but I guess where the tribe’s going and our out in Dutch to her homeland’s and secretary of foreign affairs that’s the nature of the thing. It economic development,’’ she said. king. ‘‘I said ‘give my regards to met with in turn. was quite an honour.’’ Waimakariri District Mayor Holland’ and he said ‘I will do’.’’
Masters law student Renata After the meeting, the royals, David Ayers said it was a first for She was emotional that King Davis, who had whakapapa coniwi representatives, government him to meet with royalty. Willem-Alexander had shared a nections to the marae, was one of and police representatives and ‘‘They’re a charming couple and small conversation with her. ‘‘It those who had the chance to kaumatua shared lunch in the it’s good to see the relationship really made my day. Your roots speak to the royals. ‘‘They were wharekai (dining hall). between New Zealand and the are always with you, that will really humble ... I cracked some Nga¯i Tu¯a¯huriri representative Netherlands is strong.’’ Ayers never change I suppose.’’ jokes and they were fine withO¯ it,’’ to Te Ru¯nanga Nga¯i Tahu, said it was appropriate the Dutch The couple later met with Te he said. Davis said they asked¯nangaOtheGabrielleHuriasaidthecoupleroyalscametoWaimakariri,asitRu¯ Nga¯i Tahu in Christgroup about their plans for the were really insightful into the was an historically important church before touring the city.