Governor General visits region

This week Her Excellency, The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, the Governor General of New Zealand and Dr Richard Davies visited Heretaunga Hastings to meet with those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, and the volunteers to assisted in the response.

Her visit started with a pōhiri at Waipatu Marae where she met members of the community affected by the cyclone and toured the marae’s extensive community garden, as well as Mamia, a support unit for mothers and babies.

Dame Cindy spoke of how deeply honoured she was that members of the community had come in such numbers to warmly welcome her and Dr Davies to the region.

She also visited students at Woodford House, and spoke to them about her path to becoming Governor General, and then hosted a community reception at the Havelock North Function Centre for the individuals and representatives of organisations that supported their communities during and following Cyclone Gabrielle.

“In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, I’ve heard countless stories of exceptional selflessness, manaakitanga, courage, and whanaungatanga: whether it be first responders facing unknown and highly dangerous situations; individuals cooking and distributing meals on a huge scale; or groups coming together to offer a laundry service for those who need it,” she said.

“Your work and actions not only saved lives in the wake of the cyclone, it also upheld the mana of this community. It is my greatest joy and honour as Governor-General to meet New Zealanders such as yourselves across the country, who do so much in the service of others.”

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said it was a privilege to welcome Dame Cindy to Heretaunga Hastings, and that members of the community very much enjoyed the chance to meet her.

“Much has been achieved in the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle but we have a long way to go. We have significant challenges ahead, but each day through our strength and resilience, we enable each other to rebuild our lives and our district,” she said.

 “For all its power and all its force, our resilience, our togetherness, and our selfless caring for each other, will get us to the other side of Gabrielle’s still raw memories and the impact it has had on our lives.”

20 June 2024

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