Lower Hutt branch opened with blessing

We're excited to welcome you to our new Lower Hutt office! The branch has moved and the new location at 8 Raroa Road was recently opened with a blessing. Here are some snapshots of the day.

After Whakawhanaungatanga (establishing relationships) followed an explanation of the cleansing process and karakia (prayer). Guests made their way through the building while chanting Haka, ending with a Hīmene (hymn) and karakia to close. Once outside again, there was the ceremonial use of water for cleansing of both people and the building (A Tinana me A Wairua). Thank you to Raewyn Hailes, Regional Access Coordinator, for the photos.

Image descriptions

Photo 1: Outside the building, the Pou Arahi explains the cleansing process to a small audience. He is standing with his hands clasped in front of him. A person using a wheelchair is visible to his right, wearing sunglasses.

Photo 2: Procession into the new building. A man stands first in line, followed by a standing woman, a woman using a wheelchair, and a man using a wheelchair.

Photo 3: Ceremonial use of water outside the building. One person stands holding a carved water bowl. A man using a wheelchair is reaching out to it with one hand. A woman stood in the background is observing.

Photo 4: A group of guests are gathered outside. There is a parking meter and several trees visible.