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29 Oct 2018

Harry and Meghan visit national park: 'It's a blessing to be here'

5:02 pm on 29 October 2018

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have visited Abel Tasman National Park, where they learnt about local conservation projects.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Totaranui Campground in the Abel Tasman National Park. Photo: Robin Kitchin / Pool

As rain fell and weka prowled around, Harry and Meghan were welcomed to the beachside campsite with a traditional pōwhiri from local iwi, with the blowing of a conch shell, a karanga and a long line of hongi.

Inside a marquee set up on the grass, local kaumātua Barney Thomas spoke in te reo, wishing them "kia kaha" with their "pepi", Meghan smiling as this was translated. He later explained that he'd told the royals, "There's two of you now and there will be three of you soon, and I'm sure you'll be supported."

Meghan sat in the front row of a line of plastic chairs, but hers was set a few inches back from Harry's. Barney, of Onetahua Marae in Golden Bay, explained, "The middle represents the god of war and we don't want to put our women into that space. We want to be inclusive but especially Meghan, because she's expecting, we don't want to put her at any risk."

After a waiata, Harry addressed the group, saying, "Thank you so much for having us today. The weather forecast was a lot worse than this and we are really fortunate to be here. The rain is a blessing and a reminder of our connection to the land... From my wife, myself and our little bump, it's a blessing to be here... We bring you greetings from my grandmother."

Also acknowledging the weather and how lousy it has been throughout their trip, Barney finished up by saying, "We've been watching your progress on tour and we wouldn't want to be royals."

Harry, in a black puffer jacket, and Meghan, in a black Seasalt jacket, then joined DoC ranger Andrew Lamason for a stroll along the yellow-sand beach, the royal couple arm in arm, sharing an umbrella. They came across a weka, with Andrew explaining they're New Zealand's version of a monkey as they're very cheeky. He said Harry knew a lot about global conservation issues, and that the prince expressed concern over the proliferation of fake news and those who believe it.

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, arrive at the Maranui Café to speak with young people in the Mental Health Sector. AFP

More fans outside Maranui Cafe. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Fans of all ages were present. More than 100 fans turned out. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Even dogs awaited Harry and Meghan's arrival. RNZ / Jonathan Mitchell

These cute little fans were ready and waiting for the royal's arrival. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

The royal pair arriving at Maranui Cafe. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Meghan talks to schoolchildren outside the cafe. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Prince Harry meeting some schoolchildren outside Maranui Cafe. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Meghan comforts a young boy who was waiting to catch a glimpse of the royal pair outside Maranui Cafe. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Most of the kids appeared delighted to meet the royal couple. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Children from Houghton Valley School got to enjoy cakes that were left over from the royal pair's visit at Maranui cafe. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, arrive at the military terminal to board an Air Force NH90 helicopter that took them to Tasman. AFP

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, visit Totaranui Campground in the Abel Tasman National Park. Pool/Stuff

They arrived by military helicopters where they were greeted by Kaumātua, and had lunch. Pool/Stuff

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex greeting people at Totaranui Campground. Pool/Stuff

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, visit Totaranui Campground in the Abel Tasman National Park. Pool/Stuff

The Duke of Sussex talked to those gathered at Totaranui Campground. Pool/Stuff

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex walked with a DOC ranger along the golden sand beach. Pool/Stuff

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex talked to those gathered at Totaranui Campground. Pool/Stuff

The day's events where cut short due to bad weather. Pool/Stuff

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex take a walk through the campgrounds. Pool/Stuff

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, arrive at the Courtenay Creative - a new training facility for the screen and creative industries. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Among the crowd, Desire-Rain Heta, 6, from Hawke's Bay says she hopes she can ask Harry and Meghan if they live in a castle - because she's pretty sure they do. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Prince Harry waves to the crowd awaiting the royals' arrival at Courtenay Creative. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, laughs after an umbrella turns inside out during bad weather at Courtenay Creative. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Prince Harry and Meghan arrive at Courtenay Creative to attend an event celebrating the citys creative arts scene in Wellington. AFP

Prince Harry and Meghan say goodbye to a boy at Courtenay Creative after attending an event celebrating the city's creative arts scene in Wellington. AFP

The royals meet people with costumes and SFX make up inside Courtenay Creative. Pool/ Getty / Hagen Hopkins

The royals took a photo with those gathered inside Courtenay Creative for their last engagement of the second day of the tour of New Zealand. Pool/ Getty / Hagen Hopkins

A planned tree planting was called off due to weather, with the royals instead joining school children and youth volunteers for brownies and tea in the marquee. As Harry and Meghan served themselves, a local kuia commented, "There should be someone serving them!"

After meeting Harry and Meghan, Milan Chapman, 15, of Motueka High School, said, "They were very nice, chatty and relaxed."

Pippa Struck, 13, of Golden Bay High School, added, "They were just so calm. You see them on TV, but when you meet them, you realise they're just normal people."

Saskia Gray, 16, an Abel Tasman Youth Ambassador, commented, "It was a great opportunity. I'm very fortunate to have this chance. They acted very down-to-earth, and they genuinely care about the people and the land."

After a group photo, the royals were presented with gifts, including a painting of three tui by Takaka artist Robin Slow, which represents them and their unborn child. They both admired it, with Meghan saying, "Thank you so much."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Totaranui Campground in the Abel Tasman National Park. Photo: Robin Kitchin / Pool