Sound: Queen's speech in Auckland, 1953

Hear the Queen's speech from Auckland.

Click on arrow to play or (303kb)

Transcript

This is the first time that I have spoken to New Zealanders in their own homeland and my first words must be to tell you how happy I am to be amongst you. I am looking forward with hope and happiness to the journey I am to take with my husband, from this city to the southern most part of the South Island. A journey during which I shall meet many of you in your own homes and see something of the beauty and greatness of your country.

I want to thank you too, for your welcome to my husband. We have both been deeply moved this morning. It has indeed been an inspiring experience for us to travel across two vast oceans from one side of the world to the other and to find ourselves not in a foreign land and amongst alien people, but at home with our kinsmen.