Good
humour and blessings marked the occasion on Thursday 25 February as
local kaumatua and up to a hundred Trust members, local dignitaries and
funders gathered to celebrate the breaking of ground for the new
Hydrotherapy Pool at Waterworld. Kaumatua welcomed on the guests hosted
by Hamilton City Council and the Hydrotherapy Pool Trust, blessing the
ground in a traditional Maori ceremony before Hamilton Mayor Bob
Simcock and Trust chair David Peart ’broke first
ground’ atop a brand new Gremara digger.
In
the speeches following, Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock applauded the Trust
for their ongoing work raising the profile of the project and
continuing to raise funds to make it happen. Trust chair David Peart
provided attendees with a snapshot of the many personalities whose
legacy of generosity and hard work has helped make the project a
reality and thanked the many volunteers and funders for their
exceptional support. Successful contractors Livingstone who
were announced on the day, remarked at the strong community spirit most
evident in the entertaining speeches delivered by Margaret Holroyd and
Chris East, both long-time project advocates; and the generous donation
of time and skill from Waterworld staff, many of whom came in on their
day off to provide the warm hospitality enjoyed by all that
evening…view more images
from the event
