Ngāi Tahu welcome the Governor-General
On Tuesday 21 February, Ngāi Tahu whānau led by Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri welcomed His Excellency, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, Governor-General of New Zealand and Lady Mateparae to Ōtautahi at Rehua Marae.
Sir Jerry and Lady Mateparae visited Christchurch to awhi the people and take part in the anniversary commemorations for the February 22 earthquake.
It was befitting that Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri welcomed Sir Jerry and his entourage on to Rehua, because the marae played such a key role in the Māori response to the earthquake.
Ngāi Tahu whānau and Ngā Maata Waka from all over Ōtautahi came to and tautoko Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri.
Everybody was dressed immaculately and stood proudly together to welcome His Excellency to Ōtautahi.
It was the first time in nearly twenty years that Government House has visited Rehua Marae.