Turf Turning Ceremony
Blessing ceremony with Te Paatu Marae to kick off Twin Rivers construction project. Strong partnership demonstrated.
The Twin Rivers project began its journey with a profound sense of place and partnership this week. A traditional turf-turning ceremony, led by representatives from Te Paatu Marae, was held on-site to bless the ground and the workers before major construction begins.
The ceremony was more than just a formal "groundbreaking"; it was a demonstration of the deep-rooted partnership between the developers and Mana Whenua. By involving Te Paatu Marae from the outset, the project ensures that cultural heritage and environmental kaitiakitanga (guardianship) are woven into the site’s development.
This collaborative approach sets a new benchmark for how infrastructure projects should engage with indigenous communities—prioritizing respect, spiritual alignment, and shared goals for the land.