ALPINE AQUALAND TO OPEN WITH A PUBLIC BLESSING

20 May 2008 - Sophie

Alpine Aqualand, the new aquatic centre at the Queenstown Events Centre, will receive a dawn blessing from Ngai Tahu Kaumatua in a public ceremony on Saturday 31 May, marking the public opening of the facility, Alpine Aqualand general manager Cam Sheppard said.

"It was important to mark this incredibly special day for our community,” Mr Sheppard said.

The community was invited to attend the early morning ceremony.

“On behalf of the Council, Alpine Aqualand’s first day will begin with a Karakia (welcome and blessing) lead by Ngai Tahu Kaumatua Michael Skerrett,” Mr Sheppard said.

Members of the community involved in the inception, planning and construction of the new pool were invited to attend along with members of the public.

“For many people the 31 of May will be the culmination of a lot of hard work and that needs to be acknowledged. It is also entirely fitting that this new facility receive a blessing from the manuwhenua of the area,” QLDC Mayor Clive Geddes said.

The procession would involve the blessing of each room and space of the aquatic centre before an address from Mayor Clive Geddes and Lakes Leisure Chairperson Jane Taylor.

Following the blessing the aquatic centre would officially open its doors for general admission at 8am.

"We will be limited in terms of the number of people in the centre at any one time but we hope to manage the open day so those swimmers on opening day have the best experience, " Mr Sheppard said.

Fortunately, a large proportion of the community, including schools and community groups had assisted with pool training and already experienced the pool.