Governor General, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, has given his first speech at the Ratana celebrations in his new position as head of state.
Sir Jerry, who is apart of the Ratana faith, was given a warm reception during a welcoming ceremony at Ratana Pa near Whanganui on Wednesday morning.
During his speech, he thanked the people for welcoming him as a representative of the Queen of England and said it's a far cry from his time growing up on the pa.
Ratana church members are celebrating the birth of the prophet, Tahu Potiki Wiremu Ratana, on 25 January 1873.
