The karakia dawn blessing of the new civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road, was held on Thursday 6 June.
The ceremony was hosted by the Waitematā Local Board and marked the commencement of the project’s construction phase – stage 2 of the development. It also recognised the significant contributions of mana whenua, the community and the project team, leading up to this momentous occasion.
The event was led by mana whenua. The kaumātua were Auckland Council – Richard Nahi, Matanga – Tikanga me Te Reo Māori. Malcolm Davis – Kaupapa Maori Cultural Competency Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and
Phil Wihongi – Toi Tuhono roopu. Tamariki from Ponsonby Intermediate also attended and were specifically acknowledged by Phil Wihongi.
The Community-Led Design Group (CLDG) would like to take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE for their considerable work, dedication and stamina in reaching this stage of the project’s development.
BRAVO!
In other CLDG news: We have partnered with Places for Good, who have run several workshops with three local schools. School students inputted their ideas to the design of the hoarding mural. They have also established the ‘Sidewalk Gallery’ on the hoarding. The first tranche of artwork, by Ponsonby Intermediate students, is now on display there. So why not take a stroll along the strip to check it out soon?
We attended the 18 June Waitematā Local Board business meeting, presenting a deputation* formally requesting support from the board to enable the community aspiration for a Community Garden at the rear of the site. This was also championed in the meeting’s Public Forum by Places for Good, presented by Boopsie Maran. We thank the Waitematā Local Board for their time and engagement and we now hope to work productively with the board to achieve this community aspiration.
The procurement process is underway to appoint a contractor for stage 2, the construction of the development. The new civic space will soon begin to rise from the asphalt like a magnificent phoenix – a creature that is a symbol of renewal and rebirth. Bring it on!
For more information or to contact the CLDG, visit the website 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz or see our Facebook pages, Ponsonby Park, or 254 Ponsonby Road.
*The full CLDG deputation is available on our website 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz
The recorded Waitematā Local Board meeting will soon be available on the Auckland Council website. (JEN WARD)
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