21 Mar 2006

French Polynesian leader meets Maori queen in New Zealand

1:39 pm on 21 March 2006

The French Polynesian president, Oscar Temaru, has met the Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, during his current trip to New Zealand.

He was received at the Turangawaewae marae in Ngaruawahia near Hamilton and attended a festival of the Taunui.

Mr Temaru highlighted the link between the Maori people of French Polynesia's Raiatea island and New Zealand.

The Tahitipresse news agency says Mr Temaru may also attend today's opening of the international outrigger competition on Lake Karapiro near Hamilton.