POPULAR: The Cambridges will be visiting New Zealand this year. PHOTO/FILE
POPULAR: The Cambridges will be visiting New Zealand this year. PHOTO/FILE
Wairarapa could play host to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when the royal couple visit New Zealand in April with Prince George.
The itinerary for the glamorous young royals' visit has not been finalised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Wairarapa leaders hope to lure them to Wairarapa,promising a "rural experience they will never forget".
Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson said she planned to talk to Wairarapa MP John Hayes to determine whether it would be possible to host the couple. "I would love to see them come here.
"Kate and William are an awesome, down-to-earth couple and if it was possible to have them here I am sure we would give them the best rural experience they could ever have."
South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples said she always enjoyed hosting those who helped put South Wairarapa in the spotlight.
"I would be reluctant if a visit would cost our ratepayers a lot of money, as we have a heavy programme to carry out but to host them here during a visit would be fantastic," Mrs Staples said.
The advantage Wairarapa had over other regions was close proximity to Wellington, which made a day trip feasible for visitors to the capital, she said.
Carterton Mayor Ron Mark said he would love to host the Duke and Duchess because he admired the royal family, but the reality was there was nothing budgeted in the annual plan to cover the costs of such a visit.
"Anything we did would have to be with unbudgeted money," Mr Mark said.
The ministry confirmed the itinerary for the royal visitors had not been signed off.
A spokesman said there were "several hoops" to jump through before the itinerary was finalised and it should be prepared and announced by mid to late February.
He said the ministry would welcome suggestions from civic leaders regarding the itinerary.
Kensington Palace has confirmed the visit to New Zealand and Australia and the couple are expected to be accompanied by Prince George.
The wee boy will be 8 months old on arrival in New Zealand.
The last high-profile royal visit to Wairarapa was in 1983, when Prince Charles and Princess Diana were here.
