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“Relaxed Kiwi hospitality showers Jimmy”

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Description: These images were taken by the Evening Standard on the 11th of February 1984 but were not published. They depict former United States president Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn leaving Parewahawaha marae in Bulls, flanked by performers from Hato Pāora College.

The article “Relaxed Kiwi hospitality showers Jimmy” was written by Warren Barton:

“THUNDER clouds parted and Bulls was bathed in sunshine as Jimmy Carter became the first United States President to be welcomed on a marae.

The Parewahawaha people demonstrated all the dignity of the Maori and the greatness of their special guest in a moving ceremony Mr Carter later described as ‘one of the most interesting things I've ever seen’.

He was honoured by the presentation of a traditionally carved treasure box containing six kiwi feathers.

'The feathers of our great bird are given to a great man with love' said the Rev. Hapаi Winiata of Palmerston North.

Mr and Mrs Carter's visit to Parewahawaha Marae on Saturday afternoon was one of the highlights of their weekend stay in Palmerston North.

…

Their marae visit, at which Mr Carter spoke of living in mutual respect and peace, was followed in the evening by a barbecue hosted by the Lions clubs which brought them to New Zealand.

…”

Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter jnr) served as the 39th President of the United States of America, between 20 January 1977 and 20 January 1981. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022 for his work in conflict resolution and advancing human rights in the decades since serving as president. His wife Rosalynn Carter (nee Smith) spent 5 decades advocating for causes in mental health and caregiving support among many others. Together, they founded the Carter Center – which works today to foster world peace and health programmes. Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100 on 24 December 2024. Rosalynn passed a year earlier, on 19 November 2023.