Escorted by Mr Mason Durie, Dame Te Atairangikaahu and her Waikato people advance towards the ‘marae’ in the centre of Palmerston North's ‘Square’ Dame Te Atairangikaahu Given Freedom of City Waitangi Day at Palmerston North was unique in the city's history, as for the first time a New Zealand citizen was given the ‘Freedom of the City’. Recipient of this honour was Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who visited the city accompanied by her husband, daughter Heeni and about 100 Waikato supporters. First came a Maori welcome to the Mayor, Mr D. Black, with the local Ngawaka Maori Club complementing the speeches. Then the mayoral party joined the local Maori elders to welcome the Waikato visitors. It was an exciting day for the crowd, many of whom had never seen a ceremonial welcome, and some regarded the day as the highlight of the city's centennial celebrations. Following the challenge and Dame Te Atairangikaahu meeting the Mayor of Palmerston North, Mr Black, after the welcome