Turangawaewae Royal Visit

TURANGAWAEWAE ROYAL VISIT WILL BE A SPECTACULAR OCCASION

- Spectacular traditional welcome

- Walkabout & waka taua parade

- Where to view

Weeks of planning and preparation will come to fruition when Kiingi Tuheitia, supported by Waikato-Tainui and the motu (nation), delivers a stunning welcome on Sunday befitting of the next Head of the Commonwealth.

A formal traditional welcome reserved for only the most distinguished guests will greet Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, and will include three kaiwero (challengers), multiple kaikaranga (callers), and a mass haka poowhiri.

Formal speeches and waiata will be followed by a private tour of Mahinaarangi whare where Kiingi Tuheitia will invite Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall to view a collection of the gifts presented by the Royal family to previous Maaori Kings and the late Queen Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu.

Among the gifts is a music box given to Kiingi Taawhiao in 1884 by the Duke of Devonshire on behalf of Queen Victoria. The music box remains in perfect working order.

Tuku Morgan, spokesman for Kiingi Tuheitia, said the royal couple would also witness a parade of waka taua on Waikato river and had reserved time to walk amongst the people, meeting and greeting locals.

An afternoon high tea in the Kimiora complex would follow where the couple would meet with iwi leaders and invited guests, including Tekaumaarua (the King’s advisory council), tribal leaders, war veterans, business leaders and head prefects from Waikato secondary schools.

“This visit is a significant honour that is deserving of our utmost respect and is being treated accordingly. Kiingi Tuheitia is looking forward to welcoming Prince Charles back to Turangawaewae on behalf of the Kiingitanga and to renewing the connections between their two families,” said Mr Morgan.

“Our King is mindful that both he and Charles are grandparents now to mokopuna of a similar age who will undoubtedly be responsible for continuing the family connection. He wants to ensure that the way is clear for the mokopuna to be able to do that,” he said.

Turangawaewae Marae would host a spectacular occasion for all New Zealanders to enjoy. Everyone is welcome to the marae and the visit would be broadcast live on Māori Television and streamed online, he said.

Where to view:

To watch the proceedings and see the royal couple, best viewing locations are:

- On the marae aatea, directly in front of Mahinaarangi and alongside the Rourouiti building where a giant screen will broadcast the television coverage

- During the two walkabouts which will begin from Mahinaarangi and proceed down to the barge moored on Waikato river, then return to Kimiora complex via the same route.

- The public is asked to remain behind the roped areas at all times and respect the requests of security staff.

Where to watch:

You can watch via Māori Television or online at the youtube Kīngitanga channel and at www.maoritelevision.com.

ENDS

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