Warm welcome at Te Ahu for Governor-General
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro was welcomed with waiata, gifts and heartfelt embraces this morning as she visited Te Ahu in Kaitāia on the final day of her four-day tour of Te Tai Tokerau Northland. The visit marked a homecoming for Dame Cindy, who hails from the region and is the first Māori wahine and the first person from Te Tai Tokerau to hold the role of the King’s representative in New Zealand.
The pōwhiri at Te Ahu was led by local iwi and attended by dignitaries, community leaders and excited schoolchildren from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rangi Āniwaniwa, whose waiata echoed through the space in support of the occasion. After formal mihi and responses from both sides, Dame Cindy, accompanied by her husband Dr Richard Davies, exchanged hōngi, smiles and warm embraces with locals.
In her speech, Dame Cindy reflected on her deep personal connection to the region, recounting memories of her upbringing and speaking with pride about the resilience and strength of the people of Te Tai Tokerau. She acknowledged the cultural and historical significance of the area and expressed gratitude for the welcome she received.
Following the ceremony, Dame Cindy was presented with gifts including a commemorative booklet, flowers, and a handwoven pīngao putiputi (flower). Outside Te Ahu, she joined local iwi leaders to plant a pōhutukawa tree, which was blessed in a gesture symbolising growth, legacy and connection to the whenua.
Her visit to Te Ahu was made on the last day of a four day tour of Northland that included stops at marae, schools, and community organisations across the rohe. The regional tour highlights Dame Cindy’s ongoing commitment to engaging with communities, particularly in the place she calls home.
Main photo - Dame Cindy Kiro in front of a pōhutukawa tree planted outside Te Ahu with iwi leaders.
Below - Dame Cindy Kiro and husband Dr Richard Davies with local elders.
Below - Dame Cindy Kiro and husband Dr Richard Davies with locals and iwi representatives.
