Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy visits Northland for the third time in five weeks

Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy during her visit to QRC Tai Tokerau Resort College. Photo/Michael Cunningham

Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy has visited Northland three times in five weeks and describes the region as a magical part of the country with a spiritual feeling.

Dame Patsy took part in a reconciliation ceremony atop Russell's Maiki (Flagstaff) Hill at the end of January, her second visit was to the Bay of Islands for Waitangi Day commemorations, and yesterdayshe visited the QRC Tai Tokerau Resort College in Paihia after spending time in Kaitaia the previous day and Russell.

"Northland is a magical part of New Zealand, one of the beautiful places. There's a spiritual feeling to this part of the country - partly because of the connections for both Maori and Pakeha and what created the modern Aotearoa started here.

"We were conscious of the fact there's a lot going on in the Far North and I felt I didn't know much about it. Unfortunately this time we haven't got further north than Kaitaia but there was such a lot to see there."

During her visit to the college Dame Patsy told students when travelling she and husband Sir David Gascoigne, who was in Northland with her, appreciated people who understood the cultural environment.

"I know you all want to go overseas, and I think that's a great idea at your age to do that, but remember coming back here you will have that added benefit of being able to talk from the heart about this place particularly."

She also said she would be talking to her team about the possibility of offering internships to the hospitality students at Government House.

Cushla Dickens, who finished studies at QRC Tai Tokerau Resort College last year and is now working in hospitality, said it was great to have Dame Patsy visit. Photo/Michael Cunningham

Cushla Dickens finished studying at the QRC Tai Tokerau Resort College in December last year and is now working as a receptionist at the Scenic Hotel in the Bay of Islands.

She said it was "great" Dame Patsy visited the college.

"It actually inspires you when you get to meet really influential people. It gives you that boost of encouragement to keep going and reminds you why you're doing what you're doing. She had words of wisdom and that was cool," Ms Dickens said.