Mr A. M. Latta, Mayor of Ngaruawahia, the Minister of Maori Affairs, the Hon. Matiu Rata, M.P. for Western Maori, Mr. Koro Wetere, and the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Mrs Tirikatene-Sullivan are welcomed onto the marae ‘Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have a member of the royal family to open the building!’ The remark was made some time ago, even before the sketch plans for the building were prepared. On 8 February that dream was fulfilled. People began arriving for the grand hui on 6 February, when final preparations for the visit were made. Next day the service of dedication took place, with a great gathering of clergy and elders of many tribes. Like the previous day, Friday 8 February proved fine and sunny, and excitement mounted as the time drew near for the guests to arrive. Seats at vantage points were taken early in the morning, and the crowds were happy during the long wait, as they recalled the previous visit of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, and looked forward to seeing their daughter and her husband. At last the sentinel shouted and the crowds of school children outside the gate cheered the arrival of the royal party. Escorted by the Prime Minister and Mrs Kirk, Mr Whatumoana Paki and Mr Tumokai Katipa, the visitors were challenged by Rev. Dave Manihera and welcomed by kaumatua and a young haka team as they made their way to the place of honour on the porch of Mahinarangi. After a prayer by His Grace the Archbishop of New Zealand and the National Anthem Henare Tuwhangai rose from beside the Arikinui and welcomed the guests. The Prime Minister replied, then the Hon. Matiu Rata, Minister of Maori Affairs, also spoke on behalf of the Arikinui and the people of Waikato, welcoming them to ‘the place which is the symbol of the pride of the people and their leaders in all that is worthy from their storied past, and which expresses too, the continuity of their heritage.’ He remarked that Her Majesty and Prince Philip's visit to the marae 20 years before was recalled with pride, and that the people had never forgotten that gracious act, and he reaffirmed the Maori people's affection, loyalty and faith in the crown, saying that the Treaty of Waitangi would undoubtedly remain an enduring link between the New Zealand people and the Queen. He said