Nelson delivers the Royal treatment

8 November 2015

Nelson City put its best foot forward hosting Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall on a visit to Nelson yesterday.

Nelson City Mayor Rachel Reese said she was absolutely delighted with the Nelson weather, and some of the regions key businesses did an outstanding job in presenting the unique organic, artistic, culinary and scientific strengths the region has to offer. It was an attractive proposition for potential new visitors, residents and businesses, as well as for the Royal visitors, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Mayor Reese said, "Today has been an exceptional opportunity to showcase our regional strengths - this is a creative and productive region that understands the importance of environmental sustainability. Their Royal Highnesses have shown humility, humour and engagement that has brought the Nelson community alive. We are truly privileged to have shared in a wonderful fun and fruitful day with them."

Thousands of Nelsonians turned out to meet and greet Their Royal Highnesses as they walked from the Cathedral Steps, and along Trafalgar Street towards the renowned Nelson Markets.They stopped to converse with many locals as they walked, and again chatted to many of the stall holders in the markets.

There was a genuine welcoming and festive ambiance to greet the royal couple. Mayor Reese said, “The manner in which Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla embraced the warm reception from children and locals was heart-warming, and I felt proud Nelson did such a great job with their authentic and genuine support in welcoming Their Royal Highnesses to the city. We were delighted The Duchess purchased a handcrafted caterpillar toy for her grandchildren, and that they enjoyed their visit to the Nelson Market.”

At the completion of the Nelson Market visit, the Royal couple exited and acknowledged the presence and salute from local youth Army, Navy and Airforce cadets.

The next section of the programme had been specifically developed to cater for the interests of the visitors. The Duchess of Cornwall went to visit the World of Wearable Art and Classic Car Museum, met by founder Dame Suzie Moncrieff and her team. The Duchess was very interested in seeing the garments and particularly in seeing the designs on live models.

The Prince of Wales went to New Zealand’s leading research and scientific institution, the Cawthron Institute, and had the opportunity to learn about the world leading and innovative technologies used in developing sustainable aquaculture. Presentations included Plant and Food Research's work into sustainable Precision Fishing, and Cawthron's work on the science behind mussel aquaculture and algae development.

Their Royal Highnesses later met at Mahana Villa, welcomed by owners Glenn Schaffer and Chandler Parker before commencing on a tour of Mahana Estate. They were then treated to a "Source to Serve" event, meeting local Nelson wine, beer and food producers, as well as sixty key business leaders.

This portion of the event focused on how the Nelson region can not only grow the freshest products, but also has the sustainable production and processing to ensure they are ready for the finest of dining experiences. The Kono Oysters were a perfect example - an iwi initiative, developed using Cawthron science, farmed in our beautiful clean Te Tau Ihu waters, prepared by talented local chefs - producing a delicacy fit for Royalty.

Mayor Reese said, "It was a privilege to showcase this region as outstanding seafood and wine producing region for Their Royal Highnesses today. Duchess Camilla was a perfect partner for this part of the tour with her exceptional knowledge of viticulture. Her Royal Highness expressed a very strong desire to spend more time in our region to meet and talk with our viticulturists and we would be delighted to host a United Kingdom wine experience. This would help us reinforce Nelson’s position as a premier wine destination, with a focus on Chardonnay and secondary strength in aromatics.”

ENDS

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