KEY POINTS:
A relaxed-looking Duke of York was received by a 100-strong Royal Guard of Honour and 21-gun salute at the Trentham Military Camp today.
Prince Andrew, 47, Queen Elizabeth's second son and fourth in line to the throne, is in New Zealand until Monday.
Today, he arrived at the
camp in full military uniform, to be greeted with a hongi, and a powhiri from the New Zealand Defence Force's Maori cultural group.
About 40 members of the public watched from behind the camp's fence.
A fierce wero, or challenge, was laid down to the attentive Duke, who quietly consulted Colonel Peter Cunninghame, standing beside him, on what different aspects of the challenge meant.
A purerehua, a type of whistle which is used to call to spirits, was put at his feet, which he picked up and examined closely.
A 21-gun salute sounded as he performed an inspection of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR), of which he is Colonel-in-Chief.
Prince Andrew paused to chat with the men and women of the regiment as he strolled past the guard.
This afternoon, he met for lunch with invited guests, then the Duke was to present awards to graduates of the RNZALR Logistics Basic Course, and meet personnel and their families.
Guard Commander Major Ruth Putze said it was a "huge honour" to lead the parade in front of the Duke.
She said every last button and boot had been polished and carefully inspected as part of preparations for the parade.
"We made sure everything was shining and as it should be," she said.
Prince Andrew had been charming.
"He was very human and it was really nice to talk to him," she said.
Tomorrow, he will be in Rotorua for the ceremony to celebrate the gallantry of Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi during World War 2.
Sgt Manahi was not awarded a Victoria Cross during World War 2 despite recommendations that his gallantry warranted the highest award for valour.
Maori leaders have fought since the war for recognition of Sgt Manahi's bravery in 1943 when he led his men to capture Takrouna Ridge during the campaign in North Africa.
Prince Andrew will present a citation for bravery, along with a ceremonial sword and alter cloth, to Sgt Manahi's sons in the ceremony tomorrow.
- NZPA
