Royals join Kiwis in marking Waitangi Day

Kiwi pendant gifted to the Duchess of Cornwall during a recent visit to NZ. Photo / Clarence House Twitter

Clarence House has marked Waitangi Day by sending New Zealanders a greeting in te reo Maori and revealing a golden pendant gifted during last year's royal tour.

In a series of short messages on Twitter the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles have spoken about joining with the country as it commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

"@ClarenceHouse joins New Zealanders on #WaitangiDay in marking 176 years since the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi," the tweet read.

It was accompanied by pictures of the couple being welcomed on to a marae and taking part in a hongi during last year's tour.

.@ClarenceHouse joins New Zealanders on #WaitangiDay in marking 176 years since the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. pic.twitter.com/CvsnMWOOhg

— The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) February 5, 2016

They then sent warm greetings on behalf of the royal couple.

" Nga mihi mahana kia koutou katoa!" the post read.

A further picture was posted of the golden kiwi pendant handcrafted by goldsmith Jens Hansen and given to the Duchess on behalf of the city of Nelson.

"During November's visit to New Zealand, The Duchess of Cornwall was given this beautiful Kiwi pendant. #WaitangiDay."

During November’s visit to New Zealand, The Duchess of Cornwall was given this beautiful Kiwi pendant. #WaitangiDay pic.twitter.com/JVm2fFtunh

— The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) February 6, 2016

Another tweet credited the talented Mr Hansen for crafting the gift. He is best known for creating the bands for the locally produced blockbuster trilogy Lord of the Rings.

"The pendant was crafted by @the--ringmaker, and presented to HRH on behalf of the town of Nelson."

Last year the celebrated goldsmith said on his Facebook page he would be keeping an eye out for when the Duchess of Cornwall wore the necklace.