The prince was dressed in a suit made from New Zealand wool to celebrate the launch of a mobile wool shed used to teach students about the natural fibre.
Advertisement
The Prince of Wales shook hands with twice World Cup-winning captain Richie McCaw – who according to Prime Minister John Key will be offered a knighthood for a second time.
Charles and Camilla will also visit Auckland, Waikato, Dunedin, Nelson, Westport, and New Plymouth on their week-long trip which coincides with New Zealand Conservation Week, prompting a trip to Orokonui Eco-Sanctuary by the couple.
The royal couple took a speedy trip through the sun-drenched square greeting the public before entering the Town Hall and separating to speak with different charities.
The Prince of Wales has met military personnel from eight countries as he and the Duchess of Cornwall continue their royal tour of New Zealand.
“I think by and large New Zealanders and Maoris look forward to royal visits”.
There will then be a state reception for the royal couple back at Government House.
Before their arrival, Prince Charles praised New Zealand for giving everyone in the United Kingdom “so much sporting prowess and excitement” in the Rugby World Cup.
Hayde had been waiting outside Dunedin Railway Station to see the royals and said she thought a clinch with Charles would be “a good laugh”.
More than 2,000 army, naval and airforce personnel from Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, the USA and United Kingdom have been rescuing mock tsunami victims and carrying out other humanitarian and support work during the exercise, which runs until the end of the month.
“It’s one of those things that you never, ever want to give up, because there’s nothing more special than wearing a black jersey and representing your country”.
It was also an exciting time for his wife, Camilla, who was visiting for the first time, he said.
Earlier, Pou Temara, speaking on behalf of the tribes in welcoming the royal couple, generated a bit of laughter after bringing up the All Blacks’ great Rugby World Cup win. This is the home of the Maori monarchs, where they will view a flotilla of canoes on the Waikato.
Advertisement
“Ladies and gentlemen, we just travelled 11,683 miles to come here to congratulate the best rugby team in the world”, Charles, who was accompanied by his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, told crowds who had congregated outside Parliament in Wellington city.
