Governor General Tour Rolls through Whangārei

Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro no Waka Tētē Whakaruru Te Hau, which is being directed by Kaihautū [captain] Joelene Busby in Whangārei.
Photo: RNZ/ PETER DE GRAF

It was a day at first for the governor-general of Dame Cindy Kiro.

The first Wahine Maori and the first Northlander appointed to the country’s main ceremonial role, Dame Cindy is for the first time an official tour of the region she calls home.

The husband of the governor general, Dr. Richard Davies, accepts the challenge.
Photo: RNZ/ PETER DE GRAF

Wednesday was also the first time that rowing a Waka and his first time as captain and chief guarantor.

Dame Cindy, born in Whangārei, spent the last two days in the northern city, visiting the institutions of Marae, Arts and Cultural, even joining a community in Pehiāweri Marae on Tuesday night.

The Wednesday itinerary included a Waka trip on the Hātea River of Whangārei, accompanied by her husband Dr. Richard Davies and young rowers of Te Taiuuu [Northland].

Governor Dame Cindy Kiro (Center), having exchanged formal costumes for something more functional, and husband Dr. Richard Davies about to begin his Waka experience.
Photo: RNZ/ PETER DE GRAF

At one point, more than 100 students from Kura [school] Te Kāpehu Whetū performed an exciting Haka on the river bank while Waka passed.

The students of Te Kāpehu Whetū perform a Haka for the Governor General’s Waka.
Photo: RNZ/ PETER DE GRAF

Photo: RNZ/ PETER DE GRAF

Dame Cindy said it was “an amazing experience” and Kaihautū [waka captain] Joelene Busby was a model for other Wahine Maori, the way she led efforts to convey knowledge to a new generation of rowers.

The governor-general said it was his first Northland tour since he was named in 2021.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to go home and make contact with people I know in previous lives … But also, in an important way, to meet people who work at the base in their communities. It’s wonderful to be back,” she said.

The governor-general’s husband, Dr. Richard Davies, also fulfilled his duties with the guarantor.
Photo: RNZ/ PETER DE GRAF

Busby said Dame Cindy had the opportunity as Captain Waka Whakaruru Hau and lead the songs keeping the rowers in time.

During the trip to Marco de Marco and on the bridge and on the back, she was also introduced to each of the young rowers and, in turn, she told them where she was.

“It was amazing to have that Whakawhānaungatanga [getting to know each other] In our Waka, “said Busby.

Dame Cindy Kiro embraces Kaihautū [captain] Joelene Busby after Waka’s trip.
Photo: RNZ/ PETER DE GRAF

Many of the young rowers, such as Waru-Morgan, Whangape, have never heard of the governor-general until a few weeks ago.

“It was bad to take her out. She was amazing,” she said.

Waru-Morgan said he had taken rowing a year ago to better connect to Moana and the chance to have a “Waka Whānau”.

Nikora Kiwikiwi, from Kaitāia, said Dame Cindy was easily the most famous person he has ever known.

“And she did an excellent job heating Waka. Nice, strong and tall voice,” he said.

Destiny Waru-Morgan, one of the rowers, from Whangape in the far north.
Photo: RNZ/ PETER DE GRAF

Piri Eriksen of Hokianga said it was an honor to row with Dame Cindy.

“It was nice to see you try to be a captain. She was amazing for the first time. She also tried to rescue,” he said.

On Thursday, Dame Cindy will visit a Packhouse Peruperu and IWI-led community housing development in Kaikohe, and joins a centenary celebration at Whangaroa RSA in Kāeo.

On Friday, she will end her tour with a pōhiri [formal welcome] At Te Ahu Center in Kaitāia, followed by visits to a food bank and a mental health center.

His Tai Tokerau tour began on Tuesday with a pōhiri in Terenga Paraaa Marae and visits the Hundertwasser Art Center and the Wairau Maori art gallery, as well as the Híthiaua Cultural Center, all in Whangārei.

Dame Cindy (ngāpuhi, ngāti kahu, ngāti hine) is Maori’s third person to keep the office after Sir Paul Reeves and Sir Jerry Mateparae, but the first woman Maori.

His previous roles include serving as executive director of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, Children’s Commissioner, Head of the Massey University School of Public Health, Chief of Te Kura Maori at Victoria de Wellington University, and the Chancellor Pro-Vice Maori at Auckland University.

It originally trained as a social worker, later obtaining qualifications in Epidemiology and Business Administration, among others.