Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae has made history by being the first representative of the Queen to visit Mangungu - scene of the third and biggest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi - since Governor Hobson in 1840.
Sir Jerry arrived in style befitting an historic occasion, landing at Horeke Domain in an Air Force NH90 helicopter after a short flight from Waitangi yesterday.
He arrived accompanied by his wife Janine, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry, kaumatua Patu Hohepa, and a bevy of officials. Sir Jerry and Mr Hohepa then boarded the waka Kaitoki to be paddled down the harbour to Mangungu jetty.
The chopper had barely touched down when there was a peal of thunder and the skies opened, sending his entourage scurrying for umbrellas. The waka trip looked uncertain for a moment but, after a brief discussion, went ahead despite the deluge. Sir Jerry and Mr Hohepa were armed with an umbrella and caps to keep off the worst of the rain.