Kahurangi Gateway Unity Landmark - Opening Event Saturday 25 Oct 2014
Our Kahurangi Gateway Unity Landmark was opened on Saturday 25 October at the Tapawera Community Centre gardens by distinguished guests and local community representatives. [for an overview explanation of the Gateway meaning click HERE]
The ceremony began with a formal Powhiri which included speeches from the Tasman District Council Kaumatua (Andy Joseph), the Tapawera and District Community Council Chairperson (Evan Baigent), the Tasmand District representative for Tapawera (Stuart Bryant) and the Kaumatua for Tapawera and our Landmark initiative (Duncan Wilson). The Tasman District Council Mayor (Richard Kempthorne) joined the ceremony and members of various press and media were also present for this historic ceremony.
A number of songs were performed by the local Te Reo group and Tapawera Area School, and two Pakeha and two Maori school pupils unveiled the Gateway carving. Seven male pupils then performed a traditional Haka, which was followed by a formal blessing conducted by Kaumatua Andy Joesph.
This was a most beautiful ceremony conducted on a beautiful day. The traditional Kai celebration that followed (food and drink) was provided free of charge by the Tapawera Promotion Association Inc. and visitors and locals then browsed the site making new friends.
The photographs below are a small sample of pictures taken by the TPA on the day. Thank you to all who attended, making this historic Kahurangi Gateway landmark opening event a true reflection of it's intended purpose -
Kotahitanga - Unity