April Paenga-whāwhā 2026
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Tupua Horo Nuku - Dawn Blessing Ann Packer / Nicola Morris
The heavens opened. It rained, it blew. But that didn’t stop a large group gathering for the formal dawn blessing (Tā i te Kawa) of the Tupua Horo Nuku shared path at Whiorau Reserve last Saturday morning. When the day finally dawned, the sun did not shine… In fact, flooding was so bad in parts of the city that the already postponed Sunday public events celebrating the path’s opening were cancelled, because Hutt City Council staff had their hands full cleaning up. The blessing was led by esteemed Te Āti Awa rangatira Kura Moeahu with iwi rōpū Puharikiriki. He says Tupua Horo Nuku was an opportunity to share the purakau (traditional Māori narrative) and educate the community. ”It’s now about the people of Eastbourne owning this side of the harbour. It belongs to them and they should be the ones talking about Eastbourne and the stories it holds.” Heavy rain forced the formalities indoors to the Pelorus Trust Sports House where waiata from Muritai School students enthralled the 200-strong audience.
Muritai School students also spoke of their involvement in the project including a lovely presentation from year-8 pupil and head student Tessa Hayward. She was inspired by the school’s involvement. Mayor Ken Laban heaped praise on all those involved in the project. “I am proud of Council, and all our partners, in the work they’ve done to complete this project for the community. And a big thank you to all the locals who have helped and embraced Tupua Horo Nuku over the years. “We all know there is only one way in and one way out of
Eastbourne. The new seawall adds much needed resilience to that route while also providing a safe place for pedestrians and cyclists to travel, separated from traffic". There is still finishing work to be done, decisions to be made and longer term plans to agree. Make sure that as Eastbourne locals - you have your input. You have lived through the years of inconvenience and need to now look forward and influence how Tupua Horo Nuku integrates into the Eastbourne way. Whakawhetai ki a koutou katoa. A heartfelt thanks to you all.
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