A Dialogue between PM and a Former President
Radio New Zealand
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was a privilege to officially welcome former US President Barack Obama to New Zealand.
The pair met for about an hour at Government House in Auckland on Thursday, March 22, 2018, following a powhiri to welcome Mr Obama.
Ms Ardern said that their discussions were wide-ranging, but mainly focused on the future of progressive politics, and how to keep the younger generations engaged and involved.
“We talked about pressing issues like climate change and a little about our agenda here in New Zealand,” she said.
Advice on Parenthood
The pair also discussed parenthood and Mr Obama shared some tips, Ms Ardern said.
“It was a conversation I feel extremely lucky to have had,” Ms Ardern said.
In terms of the parenting advice, Ms Ardern said the question she asked him was, “How do you deal with guilt?”
“Because I have no doubt I am going to experience some of that in the future as i juggle the roles that I have,” she said.
“I’m sure his insights would be the same as what any parent would have.”
Advice on Leadership
Ms Ardern also sought his advice on leadership, saying she wanted to get a sense of his approach to leadership.
The pair did talk about the state of political leadership internationally, but she said it was a general discussion about the future of politics, rather than domestic politics.
She and Mr Obama also talked about the impact of social media on politics, and the need to maintain face to face dialogue.
Ms Ardern said that Mr Obama was particularly appreciative of the taonga he was gifted by Ngati Whatua during the powhiri.
She said that Mr Obama had felt a lot of warmth during his time in New Zealand.
The Powhiri
Ngati Whatua Orakei’s powhiri, or traditional Maori welcome, began with the blowing of the conch and a karanga.
A warrior then performed a traditional wero and placed a taki or rakau on the ground in front of Mr Obama.
The former president was escorted through the powhiri by Piri Sciascia, Cultural Advisor to Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy.
Ms Ardern and her Partner Clarke Gayford were part of the group that welcomed Mr Obama to Government House.
The Ceremony
She was wearing a traditional korowai and sat on the side of the tangata whenua during the mihimihi. After the haka powhiri, those gathered in the tent sang a hymn or himene and said that a karakia before the mihimihi started to welcome Mr Obama.
Taiaha Hawke from Ngati Whatua Orakei began the speeches.
Mr Obama was later presented with two whale tooth pendants from Ngāti Whātua Orakei member, Ngarimu Blair. One for himself and one for his wife, Michelle.
He appeared happy and relaxed and wore his gift over his suit.
Mr Obama also spoke at an invite-only event organised by the New Zealand United States Council.
About 800 people attended – including members of the business and Māori communities and young leaders.
Earlier in the day, Mr Obama teed off at the exclusive Tara Iti golf course, south of Whangarei.
He spent the night in luxury at the exclusive property, The Landing, in the Bay of Islands.
Indian Newslink has published the above Report and Pictures under a Special Agreement with www.rnz.co.nz
Photo :
- Jacinda Ardern with Barack Obama at the Government House in Auckland on Thursday, March 22, 2018 (Picture Supplied to RNZ)
- Barack Obama being escorted through the powhiri by Piri Sciascia, Cultural Advisor to Governor General of New Zealand (RNZ Picture by Dan Cook)
