'Kia kaha': King Charles' message to New Zealand after fatal floods

Thursday, 2 February 2023

“Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui,” King Charles wrote in a condolence message to New Zealand. (File photo)

King Charles has sent his “deepest condolences” to those impacted by torrential rain that has lashed parts of the North Island over the past week.

Four people died in the Auckland floods and thousands of homes have been severely damaged, with hundreds deemed uninhabitable.

The message, from both the new King and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, said they had been following the news of the floods with “the deepest concern”.

“Above all, my wife and I wanted to send our deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of those who have tragically lost their lives,” he wrote in a letter posted on New Zealand’s Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro’s, Facebook page.

* Princess Anne won’t be with Queen for Christmas as husband has Covid

North Shore Sikh Society has been cooking thousands of meals for people caught in Auckland's flooding overthe past few days.

* Princess Anne takes prominent place in Prince Philip's funeral procession

“Our special thoughts are with the many others whose livelihoods have been so terribly impacted by these devastating floods.”

King Charles went on to say he had “long admired the strength and resourcefulness of New Zealanders”.

Floodwaters caused slips and severe damage throughout the North Island.

“My heartfelt prayers are with all those who are supporting the response and recovery efforts to help people repair or restore their homes and businesses.”

The King signed off using te reo Māori.

“Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui,” he wrote, which translates to “be strong, be brave, be steadfast”.

Other members of the royal family, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are yet to comment on the natural disaster.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has also announced that King Charles’ sister, Princess Anne, plans to visit New Zealand later this month.

Her visit was a request of the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals, of which she is Colonel in Chief.

She will be attending its 100th anniversary celebrations, held at Linton Military Camp in Palmerston North.

”It’s terrific that Her Royal Highness will be able to connect with past and present members of the Corps and acknowledge the importance of signallers within New Zealand Defence Force operations over the last 100 years,” Hipkins said on Thursday.

She will be accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Princess Anne will also be at an Act of Remembrance at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington and will rededicate the War Memorial at Cathedral Square in Christchurch.