3 February 2004 Media Statement

Prince Edward to visit New Zealand

Prime Minister Helen Clark announced today that Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, will visit New Zealand in March.

Prince Edward will visit Auckland, Wellington, Wanganui, Dunedin and the Nelson region during his week-long official visit from 15 to 22 March.

The Prince will travel to Wanganui to attend sesquicentennial celebrations at Wanganui Collegiate School, where he tutored in 1982 and 1983.

Prince Edward will present Gold Awards for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme at ceremonies in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin and attend receptions at Government House in Wellington and Auckland.

Events in Wellington will also include a speech at Wellington Rotary Club’s Regional Prefects' lunch, a visit to Te Papa Tongarewa, and visits to Porirua's Pataka Museum and Downstage Theatre as part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

In Nelson, Prince Edward will view the seal colony at Tonga Island, visit the Abel Tasman National Park, and visit a local ceramics studio.

While in Dunedin, he will attend a reception for young people, hosted by Mayor Sukhi Turner, and visit the Animation Research Ltd and Natural History NZ Ltd studios in the city.

ENDS

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