From Waiheke to Westminster

Auckland University Pacific poetry lecturer Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh was commissioned to write and perform a poem about unity.

Source: TVNZ

Ms Marsh says she spoke with Queen Elizabeth II after the interfaith gathering, attended by the Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

"It's one thing being on Waiheke island composing in your kitchen, it's another thing to walk in and be standing in front of the tomb of Queen Elizabeth the first reciting your poem and that's what I did, I spoke to her."

The event is the first of many events the Queen will attend during her 90th birthday celebrations.