Hydrotherapy Pool Groundbreaking Ceremony

Good humour and blessings marked occasion on Thursday 25 February as local kaumatua and up to a hundred Trust members, local dignitaries and funders gathered to celebrate the breaking of ground for the Hydrotherapy Pool at Waterworld. Local kaumatua welcomed on the guests hosted by Hamilton City Council and the Hydrotherapy Pool Trust, blessing the ground in a traditional Maori ceremony before Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock and Trust chair David Peart ’broke first ground’ atop a brand new Gremara digger. In the speeches following, Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock applauded the Trust for their ongoing work raising the profile of the project and raising fund to make it happen. Trust chair David Peart provided attendees with a snapshot of the many personalities whose legacy of generosity and hard work has helped make the project a reality and thanked the many volunteers and funders for their exceptional support.  Successful contractors Livingstone who were announced on the day, remarked at the strong community spirit most evident in the entertaining speeches delivered by Margaret Holroyd and Chris East, both long-time project advocates; and the generous donation of time and skill from Waterworld staff, many of whom came in on their day off to provide the warm hospitality enjoyed by all that evening

	Guests arrive at the ground breaking ceremony
	Local kuia call guests on to the construction site
	Local kaumatua led guests on to the site for the ground blessing
	Trust chairman David Peart and Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock prepare to 'break ground'
	The ground is broken!
	Guest gather to hear the speakers
	Speakers Chris East, Margaret Holroyd, Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock and Trust Chair David Peart are entertained by Leisure Facilities Manager Jason Rogers