Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae was this morning welcomed on to Waitangi Marae without incident, opening commemorations to mark the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae. Photo: SUPPLIED
Sir Jerry and Lady Janine Mateparae were welcomed on to the Marae just after 10am, without incident.
In warm drizzly weather, they were escorted between lines of waka paddlers.
The couple were met with the traditional challenge by three Ngapuhi warriors, and escorted into the historic meeting house, followed by navy chiefs.
Last year a lone heckler shouted abuse at the vice regal couple.
The couple will this afternoon visit the Mangungu Mission House in the Hokianga, before a reception on board HMNZS Te Kaha this evening.