Charles & Camilla’s second day in NZ – dancing and reptiles

On the second day of Prince Charles and Camilla’s tour of New Zealand, the couple were out and about in Wellington.

The Prince of Wales visited Tawa College to see musical performances and sport demonstrations, and the traditional Maori haka was performed for Charles and the Governor General.

Charles spoke with the Head Boy and Head Girl, before moving onto sort topics, including cricket. Keen to impress the Prince, Young Enterprise students presented him with their products, then discussing musical compositions.

A topic which Charles is passionate about is wool, as a natural fibre it is good for the environment. New Zealand, with its large population of sheep, was a great place to spread the Campaign for Wool message. He spoke with children studying it at school, clearly an expert on its uses and qualities. Charles also posed for a school photo. The Duchess of Cornwall spent the morning at Te Whaea to meet drama and dance students. The troupe performed a piece for Camilla and the Governor General’s wife.

Later in the afternoon, Charles and Camilla arrived at Mosgiel Railway Station to head for Dunedin.

The train journey allowed them to see some of New Zealand’s beautiful scenery, which is often remarked upon by Royal visitors.

Next came a walkabout, where hundreds of people queued to see the Prince and Duchess.

The couple paid a visit to Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, since the city has a rich Scottish heritage. Here they were treated to a Maori welcome, before they spoke to descendants of Otago’s earliest settlers.

 

Prince Charles’ next engagement was at Animation Research, to learn about innovation and entrepreneurship in Dunedin. The organisation’s last projects include a 3D television advert, which won awards in New Zealand & overseas. He took part in a virtual experience, racing across a river in a high-speed boat and being on a racing catamaran, like The Americas Cup.

Racing the America’s Cup – in Dunedin! #RoyalVisitNZ #AnimationResearch A photo posted by Governor-General of NZ (@govgeneralnz) on

The Duchess left her husband to attend a literature event at the University of Otago. Dunedin is a UNESCO City of Literature, a cause Camilla is passionate about.

In the UK she supports a number of adult and children’s literacy programmes being a keen reader herself.

At the reception Camilla met writers and publishers. The university was established in 1869 and was the first in Australasia to allow female students to study there.

Camilla at the literacy reception via @GovGeneralNZ

Camilla at the literacy reception via @GovGeneralNZ

In a short speech, the Duchess praised writer Dame Lynley Dodd, who penned some of her grandchildren’s favourite books.

The Royal couple ended their day at Orokonui Ecosanctuary, which is attempting to return the area to its original state from before European settlers arrived, who brought with them non-native plants and animals.

Conservation is something Charles champions, so he gave a speech praising local environmental groups in recognition of Conservation Week:

“As result of your efforts in so many areas of the conservation field… I would like to think that my grandchildren will also get the chance to see some of these remarkable creatures one day.”

Charles and Camilla with a tuatara via @GovGenerealNZ

Charles and Camilla with a tuatara via @GovGenerealNZ

After a look around the facility, being shown rare animals and plants, The Prince of Wales then held a, which Camilla didn’t seem too thrilled by, leaning away. She did pet it afterwards, though.

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