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15 May 2015

Prince meets veterans in Whanganui

9:09 am on 15 May 2015

Prince Harry has been greeted by a crowd of about 1000 people at the War Memorial Centre in Whanganui.

Crowds waiting to see the prince. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Prince Harry chatted to veterans at the war memorial centre and looked through a the Book of Remembrance.

Among the more than 100 veterans was John Lawson who said the prince was "a lovely guy, especially for someone so young."

"He came and sat at each of the tables and talked to most of the veterans directly," said Mr Lawson.

Another of the veterans, 91-year-old Ken Newton, served on HMNZS Achilles during WWII. He said he had shaken the hand of King George VI when the king visited the ship 70 years ago, and was hoping to shake the hand of his great-grandson.

Earlier, the fifth-in-line to the British throne welcomed with a powhiri at Putiki Marae before meeting privately with local dignitaries.

Kaumatua John Maihi gave the prince seven out of ten for Maori pronunciation in the mihi he gave during the powhiri, and said it was great to see a member of the royal family tackling Te Reo.

Prince Harry spoke of his family's connection to Whanganui; his uncle Prince Edward spent a year tutoring at Wanganui Collegiate and his parents Charles and Diana had also visited.

We girl with cuzzies sign for Prince Harry

Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Alexandra Henderson-Kruger was hoping Prince Harry would find time to sign the poster she made especially for his visit to the marae.

The eight-year-old was hoping to take it to school and show it off during current events.

Alexandra said being Royal made Prince Harry particularly cool and "he gets to be on TV all the time".

The prince crossed the Whanganui River in a waka just before midday, and said it was a privilege as he understood the importance of the river to the people of Whanganui.

Prince Harry crossed the Whanganui River on a waka.

Prince Harry said he understood the importance of the river to the people of Whanganui. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

The crowd greeted with a cheer as he disembarked and did an impromptu walkabout.

Whanganui local Rick Warren said it was an amazing turnout and great to see the Prince interacting with the public.

"He stopped and talked to a couple of people and was then whisked away."

Prince Harry was presented with a waka paddle. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Prince Harry before crossing the Whanganui River. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Prince Harry and Andrew Little

Prince Harry at Southern Cross School Campus in Mangere. Photo: Pool

Prince Harry at TYLA Youth Development Trust. Photo: Pool

Welcome Prince Harry. Photo: Pool

Prince Harry at Southern Cross School Campus in Mangere. Photo: Pool

Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Prince Harry was presented with a waka paddle. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin.

Prince Harry before crossing the Whanganui River. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin.

Prince Harry said he understood the importance of the river to the people of Whanganui. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin.

Crowds waiting to see the prince. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin.

Prince Harry at Linton Military Camp. Photo: Pool

Corporal Poi talks Prince Harry through the intricacies of a LAV before taking him for a spin. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Prince Harry at Linton Military Camp. Photo: Pool

Prince Harry at Christchurch's Odyssey House. Photo: Pool

Prince Harry meets students from Ferndale Special Education School. hoto: RNZ / Sally Murphy

Prince Harry shaking the hand of a Canterbury University student. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Prince Harry at Canterbury University with members of the Student Volunteer Army. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Prince Harry at Canterbury University with members of the Student Volunteer Army.

Prince Harry at Canterbury University looking up at the storm brewing with members of the Student Volunteer Army.

Prince Harry waiting for rain to hit at Canterbury University with members of the Student Volunteer Army. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Prince Harry having a laugh with a Canterbury University Student. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Prince Harry checks out his new bike, gifted by the Student Volunteer Army. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson.

Prince Harry in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Prince Harry's former matron Vicki McBratney. Photo: RNZ / Georgina Stylianou

Prince Harry meets fans during a walkabout in Christchurch. Photo: Pool

Prince Harry meets the public in Christchurch. Photo: Pool

Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Prince Harry's tram makes its way past the devastated Christchurch Cathedral. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Prince Harry with Gerry Brownlee and John Key. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson.

Prime Minister John Key, left, and Christchurch Rebuild Minister Gerry Brownlee in front of TPPA protesters. Photo: Pool

Wizards and a fairy get ready to cast a spell on Prince Harry in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson.

Christchurch crowds gather to welcome Prince Harry. Photo RNZ / Georgina Stylianou.

Prince Harry being welcomed to Invercargill. Photo: Supplied.

Pupils at Halfmoon Bay School on Stewart Island meet the prince. Photo RNZ / Ian Telfer.

Prince Harry attended a community expo at the Stewart Island community centre.. Photo: Pool.

Prince Harry learnt how to shuck a Bluff oyster. Photo: Pool

Prince Harry laying a fern on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with Prime Minister John Key (right) and his wife Bronagh (left). Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson.

Prince Harry holding his medals as he approaches the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson.

Prime Minister John Key (middle) and his wife Bronagh Key (left) lead Prince Harry up to the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson.

Wellington school children meeting Prince Harry. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson.

Prince Harry talking with school children .Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson.

Prince Harry, the Governor-General Jerry Mateparae (right) and his wife Janine Mateparae (left) watch a mass haka by students of Hato Paora Collage. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson.