Kia Ora!
Morena koutou.. morning from Aoteaora.
I was very privilege to get the opportunity to come and join the Powhiri or the welcoming ceremony of the Workship Tory Whanau, the new Mayor of Wellington City. She was replacing Andy Foster, the previous Mayor of this coolest little Capital, and she is the first Māori Mayor for Wellington! What a historic moment indeed!
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| the booklet of the Pōwhiri |
I joined other diplomatic communities, families, friends and invited guests to the Powhiri. It was conducted in Pipitea Marae, or the traditional house of Māori located in Pipitea, Thorndon. It is a beautiful Marae in the middle of Wellington with so many traditional touch and artworks, including the famous Toi Whakario or Māori art carving. You can see some of the samples of the Māori art carvings which are not only showcasing their artistic side but they are also considered sacred and believed to elevate the objects
We really enjoyed the Powhiri and the Inauguration ceremony, which consists of the Pōwhiri, karanga, hongi, Whaikōrero, and karakia - then the proceedings of the inauguration ceremony, including the Mayor's opening speech, Declaration of Mayor - Elect and the Councillors - Elect, and the appointment of the Deputy Mayor.
Here are some photos I managed to take during the procession.
I was not sure whether we could take pictures or not in the beginning due to the strict property rights' protection of the Māori arts and cultures. Nevertheless, at the less formal stage, we could take some pictures. I even managed to get selfies with Mayor Tory!
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| Mayor Tory Whanau received the Hoe, the |
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| the Mayor with the Hoe.. |
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| the performance of the Pipitea Marae art group |
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| one of the Declarations from Councillor - elect |
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| Kai - some of the food provided during the Powhiri |
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| my shaky selfie with Mayor Tory .. super excited |
Hope Wellington will be getting better, better and better in the future under the Worship, Mayor Tory Whanau.
Ngā mihi koutou.
