
Prince Charles says the greeting at Turangawaewae Marae in the Waikato was a very warm welcome indeed.
It was bright and sunny as the Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, were welcomed onto the marae.
Price Charles told a crowd of around 1000 he cherishes the relationship that's existed since King George the 5th.
"I am greatly honoured to be returning again to the embrace of this place. The people of Waikato Tainui have extended your care, compassion and hospitality to my family on many occasions."
Prince Charles went on to commend treaty settlements within the area.
He said the last time he was in the Waikato, in 1993, Tainui was poised to take a bold step by being the first iwi to settle through the Waitangi Tribunal.
"Now as I return here more than 20 years later, I am so heartened to see and hear of all that you have grown from those new beginnings, in putting aside the hurts of the past and forging a future on the firm foundations of your culture, traditions and history."
Later in the day, they will head to Auckland, where there will be a public walkabout in Aotea Square, and visits to a couple of local charities.
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