Editorial: Chance of royal visit is lost

John Key offered 90 minutes with the Royals to the Maori King who denied it.

I'm sure Rotorua would have been happy to host the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge next month, given a meeting initially planned with the Maori King has been called off.

It was reported this week the Royal couple's trip to Turangawaewae was cancelled by King Tuheitia.

The Prime Minister said a 90-minute slot was offered, but the king's people said that wasn't long enough to be able to observe protocol.

John Key said it would have been longer than any other engagement the couple had.

If you look at their schedule, Waikato would seem to be their busiest stop.

It's a pity those involved at the king's end couldn't exercise a little flexibility to pull this off.

It would have been a grand event for Ngaruawahia and its people, and given two very influential figures a great insight into Kingitanga and Maori customs and protocols.

Those towns, like our own, that aren't on the royal tour, couldn't be blamed for feeling a bit miffed at missing out when another town has turned down the opportunity.

Yes, we've had royals here before, but William, Kate and George are the most popular branch of the Royal Family in aeons and hosting them would have been a massive event for Rotorua.

Where better for them to learn about the significance of Maori culture, and the place of Maori in New Zealand, than here in Rotorua.

Forget Turangawaewae, why wasn't Ohinemutu or Whakarewarewa on their list of places to visit?