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The Maori monarchy will not be hosting the royal family
when they arrive in NZ early next month.
Instead, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,
along with their son, Prince George,
will be officially welcomed
by the Governor-General in Wellington.
And it seems there is a lack of Maori involvement
in the nine-day royal trip.
Oriini Tipene-Leach has more.
The last time a British monarch visited Turangawaewae Marae
was in 1994
when Prince Charles was here on tour.
And it looks as if that's not about to change -
the Kingitanga's invitation was denied.
It was hoped Prince William, the Duchess and their son
would visit the Kingitanga marae.
King Tuheitia requested the royal's trip be extended
so they could be formally welcomed,
but it was put on the back burner
before eventually being cancelled.
The family will instead stay at Government House in Wellington
for the majority of the nine-day trip.
Ngati Toa will be involved in the official welcome.
In addition to that,
Ngai Tahu will meet the couple
when they arrive in Dunedin on 13 April.
They'll also make a trip to Christchurch -
Prince William last visited there three years ago.
Despite those two occasions,
it appears Maori are not really involved
with the royal family's trip.
Some experts on Maoridom
are saying the royals need to be corrected on their faux pas
in turning down the Kingitanga's request.
Oriini Tipene-Leach, Te Karere.
The royal couple had to seek permission from the Queen
for two heirs to the throne to travel together on one plane.
The same permission was granted
when Prince William travelled to NZ as a baby.