The blessing of Waimarino.
26 February 2024
On 24 February 2024, the Te Ara Tupua Ngā Ūranga to Pito-one project team officially opened Waimarino, the new purpose-built Rowing and Waterski Clubs Building at Honiana Te Puni Reserve. Te Ātiawa Taranaki Whānui led the dawn blessing and the official opening and naming of the new building which is located on culturally significant land owned by Taranaki Whānui. The opening was attended by representatives from iwi mana whenua (Taranaki Whānui), the Hutt City Council, NZTA/Waka Kotahi, Te Ara Tupua Alliance, Wellington Rowing Association and Wellington Waterski Club.
The name Waimarino was gifted by Kura Moeahu with the narrative “Te waimarino o te hau raki” which refers to the calm waters along the coastline from Ngā Ūranga to Pito-one when the prevailing northerly winds blow.
The name of the building connects with the narrative of the cultural art installation designed by iwi artist Len Hetet. Paying homage to the land, people and ancestors, the composition of the artwork represents the rhythmical flow of karakia, oratory and waiata (incantations, speeches and song). It is also a depiction of the many land masses that were created by Ngake and Whātaitai from the ancestral mountains, waterways and villages to all the lands that lie within the realm of Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Quote from Jetesh Bhula:
“The opening of Waimarino - the new rowing and waterski clubs building is another important milestone for the project and one we are delighted to mark following the opening of the nearby Tāwharau pods almost one year ago.
A long sporting history has existed, particularly for rowing at Pito-One, Petone. Past Olympic gold medallists, Dick Joyce (1968, 1972), Ross Collinge (1968 and silver 1972), John Hunter (1972) and more recently, Philip Wilson (2020), followed by Beth Ross (2020) silver medallist and Peter Taylor (2012) bronze medallist have all had associations with the rowing club. We hope the new clubrooms will help this proud tradition continue.
Waimarino is located on Honiana Te Puni Reserve is which is culturally significant land owned by Taranaki Whānui. The redevelopment of the Reserve through the Te Ara Tupua project will restore and enhance iwi presence on its own land while creating the gateway to the shared path. Honiana Te Puni Reserve willcontinue to be a space to welcome the community and recreational users to be immersed in the cultural and historical significance of the land. NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Te Ara Tupua project team are proud to be part of this work."
Bird's eye view of Waimarino.
