Hi Everyone,

Here are the highlights of what’s to come during tomorrow’s formal opening.

Main event

At 2pm, we gather with invited guests on the footpath outside the Montpellier Street entrance, from where representatives of Kāi Tahu will lead us around the corner into Alva Street and down the driveway towards the common house.

We’ll stop in the vicinity of the car park, where the kaumatua will give a blessing, and the visitors may sing a waiata.

Catherine will speak.

The Mayor will plant the tree.

Donald will speak and we’ll sing our waiata, E tu kahikatea (which we’ll practise earlier in the day).

After the waiata, we’ll enter the common house for afternoon tea.

Preparatory blessing

Earlier in the day, at 10.30am, Kāi Tahu will pay a visit to the site to bless the three different blocks: Alva Street, High Street and the common house. Anyone who is around is welcome to join in, setting out from the Montpellier Street entrance.

A working bee will be under way from 10am to prepare the common house for the afternoon tea, and those involved might like to pause and join in the blessing, which will take about 20 minutes.

Cars

Please leave cars on the street so the car park is clear by 2pm.

Weather

The forecast is cloudy, but fingers crossed the rain will hold off.

Recap

10am: working bee to prepare common house 10.30am: preparatory blessing of site—go to Montpellier Street entrance if you’d like to join in Midday: waiata practice, common house 2pm: Montpellier Street entrance for start of opening day formalities

See you there.

Anthony, on behalf of the outreach group