Film: royal couple arrive in NZ, 1953

Film clip: the arrival of the Gothic at Auckland, 23 December 1953

Still shots and description

The scene opens with the film’s title and then a view of the Gothic (ship). We then see the royal couple descending the gangway and being welcomed by dignitaries waiting on the dock.

Commentary:

‘So the Queen comes to New Zealand. 12,000 miles from the Motherland, she is not among strangers. She has come to her New Zealand home. Presented by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and his wife, Mrs Sidney Holland, pay their respects. It is the first time in history that a reigning monarch has visited these shores.’