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On Waitangi Day, King Charles issued his first message to New Zealand and the Mori people as King.
"On this Waitangi Day, my first as King of New Zealand, I extend my best wishes to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand," King Charles says in his statement.
The Treaty of Waitangi/Tiriti o Waitangi was signed 183 years ago during the reign of Queen Victoria, my great-great-great-grandmother. It formed a lasting bond with my family, which I am honoured to maintain."
"My mother, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, was the first reigning Sovereign to visit New Zealand and the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, and she attended the 150th anniversary of the Treaty's signing in 1990," he said. Waitangi, both the site and the covenant between peoples, has special meaning for Her Majesty. I recognise and value the reverence shown by the people of Aotearoa New Zealand to Her late Majesty, particularly on the occasion of Waitangi."
"For my own part, I was happy that my journey to Waitangi four years ago offered me the chance to carry with me an ancient korowai which had been handed to Queen Victoria by Reihana Te Taukawau. It is a taonga that reflects a strong connection to New Zealand and the Maori people that has meant so much to me throughout my life. It has allowed me to respectfully reiterate my commitment, as well as the commitments of my children and grandchildren, to this tie between us and to ensuring that it remains for future generations," the King remarked.
"Waitangi Day is a moment to both reflect on the past and look forward to the future," he continued. My family and I would want to extend our heartfelt best wishes to you."
His Majesty has written of his deep connection to New Zealand and the Māori people in his first Waitangi Day message as King of New Zealand.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 5, 2023
🔗Head to our website to read the message in full: https://t.co/y2fdRgf06r pic.twitter.com/E2NpvOtbXk
