On 23 February we had the pleasure of hosting the Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Janine. Whānau gathered in the wharenui with the Makaawhio and Hokitika bilingual class and also the Mayor of Hokitika (Mike Havell), to welcome the Governor-General onto our marae.
After the pōwhiri we all gathered in Papakura (wharekai) for some kai and a hot drink and a chance to mingle. The Hokitika bilingual class sang beautiful waiata as we ate and I think I even saw a sparkly tear in the Governor-General’s eye. Sir Jerry and Lady Janine continued on their journey to Hokitika to visit some local businesses. After visiting the marae they went to the Waewae pounamu shop, the Westland Milk Products site, Hokitika Museum, Pacific Wide and they also met people from the arts and crafts sector at the old fire station, West Coast Wine Company.
Whānau with Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Janine.