Words escape Maori Queen 40 years on

Dame Te Atairangikaahu prepares to take a drive in a Chrysler originally gifted to Princess Te Puea. Picture / Dean Purcell

The Maori Queen is tired. The fatigue showed in her frail frame yesterday as she struggled for words to thank her people.

For the past week, dignitaries and leaders from throughout the country and the Pacific have come to Ngaruawahia's Turangawaewae marae to pay tribute to Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu on the 40th anniversary of her coronation.

And while speeches and entertainment have enthralled the tens of thousands of people who have gathered throughout, yesterday it was the Queen's address that the crowd of about 7000 had come to hear.

Flanked by the Governor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, and Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho, of Tonga, Dame Te Ata spoke briefly.

Speaking in Maori, she said that for the last 40 years she had spoken at length on the anniversary of her coronation, but now was unable to.

"In the past it was no problem to stand and speak for 30 to 40 minutes, now I can't these days. I get tired and struggle."

She spoke of a gratitude for the "days that have been given to me to be able to walk amongst you" and for the support she had received as the revered leader of the Kingitanga, or King, movement.

"I can't find words to express my gratitude. If I could find all the most beautiful words, I would put them together and lay them among you, to help me with my thoughts of affection."

The speech prompted tears from many in attendance.

The Queen and members of her party then took a tour of the marae grounds and a drive along the Waikato River in a vintage Chrysler.

The car was a gift to Dame Te Ata's aunt, Princess Te Puea Herangi, herself a respected and revered Waikato leader.

Marae media liaison Mokotini Templeton said the car was purchased by the Government for a planned visit by the then Princess Elizabeth. Her trip was cancelled due to the ill health of her father, King George, prompting the then Prime Minister, Sidney Holland, to gift the car to Maori.

Ms Templeton said more than 40,000 people had attended the week of festivities, which were closed with a royal gala performance.