DAWN BLESSING FOR ALPINE AQUALAND
31 May 2008 - Sophie
As the sun rose on the opening day of Alpine Aqualand, 100 members of the Wakatipu community gathered to bless the new facility.
Leading the karakia was Ngai Tahu kaumatua Michael Skerrett, which was followed by speeches from Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive Geddes and Lakes Leisure chairman Jane Taylor.
Poolside during the ceremony was a small group of excited children eager to be the first official swimmers in the new aquatic centre.
Mayor Clive officially declared the pool open before leading the crowd in a countdown. On his blow of the whistle the children leapt into the pool to the applause and cheers of those gathered.
A steady stream of eager locals took their first official swim in Alpine Aqualand throughout the day.
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