On Tuesday 22 June, a karakia (blessing) of the waters took place for Te Awamutu’s new water supply project which will future proof Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Ōhaupō’s water supply for year’s to come.
The karakia took place on location at two facilities in the new supply line, the upgraded Parallel Road water treatment plant near Cambridge, and the Te Rua Kotāre (Taylor’s Hill) Reservoir in Te Awamutu.
Ngāti Koroki Kahukura representatives, Taiapa Kara, Poto Davies and Rangipuhi King, Ngāti Apakura representatives Professor Tom Roa, Hazel Wander and Barney Manaia, Ngā Iwi Topu o Waipā chair Gaylene Roberts, attended the dawn ceremony, along with Waipā District Mayor Jim Mylchreest, Waipā Iwi Relations Advisor Shane Te Ruki, staff and contractors who worked on the project.
At each site karakia was followed by whaikōrero (formal speeches). The speakers were Prof. Tom Roa and Iwi Relations Advisor Shane Te Ruki who acknowledged the precious gift of water from one body of water and local iwi to another – “He matahīapo te ora; he matahīapo te wai” Life is infinity precious; water is basis of life.”
Mayor Mylchreest spoke reaffirming the invaluable nature and the importance of what had been achieved.
The gifting of water from the Waikato River Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and Waikato-Tainui and received by Ngāti Apakura for Waipā iwi. The water will journey from the Waikato River into the Waipā district’s water supply, where it will reconnect at Ngaruawahia via the Waipā River catchment.
Mylchreest said the karakia marked a significant step in the project.
“It is fantastic to see this facility completed and today marks a tremendous occasion in our district’s history, as we work to safeguard our water supply for generations to come.
“I appreciate the support from iwi to gift this precious resource to Waipā, which will ensure we have a safe, resilient and reliable water supply that will nourish our comunities into the future.”
Council began building the new supply pipeline in October 2019, which had significant delays, including a month-long shut down due to the nationwide level four COVID-19 pandemic response, and restrictive measures at level three.
The water treatment plant upgrade began in June 2020 and is currently ahead of its end October 2021 completion date.
Mylchreest said the improved water supply is expected to reduce the need for higher water alerts in the Waipā, but with increasingly dry summers, some water alerts may still be expected.
“While this project should limit the number of water restrictions it is still important to conserve this precious resource, particularly over the summer months.” Mylchreest added.
Following the karakia, water can now begin to enter the new water treatment plant and pipeline so staff can begin the final steps to commission the plant for full operation.
