Hugs, Hongi & Haka - Harry & Meghan Bring The Love

The royal faves touch hearts in Aotearoa

Their whirlwind 16-date tour of the South Pacific kicked off with a hiss and a roar when, shortly after landing in Sydney, Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex revealed the exciting news that they were expecting their first child just five months following their magical royal wedding.

But despite inspiring speeches and sporting events in Australia, and colourful scenes in Fiji and Tonga, it was only on the final day of their itinerary, in our very own Rotorua, that the trip reached its emotional climax, the sun finally shining on a journey dogged by downpours.

After being presented with exquisite korowai cloaks woven with patterns and colours inspired by their heritage, Harry and Meghan were welcomed on to picturesque lakeside Te Papaiouru Marae in Ohinemutu with a spine-tingling powhiri.

As geothermal steam swirled through the gathered crowd, the blowing of a conch shell created an electric atmosphere that only built with each traditional challenge, haka, song and prayer, the cultural treat capped off with a rousing rendition of “Pokarekare Ana”.

The local Te Arawa people praised Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37, for their focus on whanau and children, with elder Sir Toby Curtis adding that the duchess is a role model for Maori. “She has shown you can succeed, make a difference and be your own person while also celebrating your heritage,” he says. “This inspires us all.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Ngati Whakaue weaver Norma Sturley, who tells, “We see the duchess as representing strong kaupapa [values] for women – she displays aroha, manaakitanga [nurturing] and mana. She is a great leader.”

Norma, 66, adds that Meghan’s pregnancy makes the gift of a cloak even more significant, explaining, “The korowai is like a protector. To wrap a korowai around someone is to envelop them in strength, warmth and aroha.”