Traditional leaders of the Cook Islands have welcomed New Zealand's Governor General in her first official visit to the islands.
Dame Patsy Reddy arrived in Rarotonga on Thursday night as part of a trip to New Zealand's Realm countries.
Raised on a paata, a chair carried by warriors, Dame Patsy made her way slowly on to the Atupare Marae where all of Cook Islands' ariki meet.
Dame Patsy Reddy is carried on a paata while being welcomed in the Cook Islands Photo: RNZI / Sally Round
It was a special honour for the Governor General who is on a trip to familiarise herself with the Cook Islands and Niue, whose people hold New Zealand passports and family ties are strong.
Her visit includes a trip to Aitutaki, a look at New Zealand aid projects including the redevelopment of Tereora College and a seawall to help protect the crumbling graves of Cook Islanders involved in the First World War.
