On 31st July we held a dawn blessing for “Urban Eels: Our Sustainable City”. Together, we have created a new space within our urban fabric to reconnect with nature and share and experience Tikanga Māori. Feeling grateful and honoured to have shared this journey with so many inspiring people.

Mihimihi / speeches – Fiona Gordon

“Tēnā kotou [good morning],

Urban Eels is a very special place.

Today is a very special day.

Both mark the success of a truly collaborative project.

But it was not always a project.  It started as an idea.  It blossomed into a four-year journey.  Now, it has become a destination for everyone to enjoy.

Urban Eels was only able to develop and grow because of the people.  Those people brought their skills, their knowledge, their time, their energy, and their resources to the table – along with a big dose of passion and persistence and, importantly, a shared vision.

Together, we have created a sanctuary for tuna [eel].  A place that tells us of the enduring relationship between man and tuna. 

It is a place for us to reconnect with nature and to share and experience Tikanga Māori – philosophies and practices.  These, in my mind, are essential components for the development of a wider sustainability practice in New Zealand.

There are so many people to thank today, most of whom have already been acknowledged by previous speakers. However, I do wish to say a very special thank you to two people in particular, Paul Horton and Danielle Harris of Tanenuiarangi Manawatū Incorporated.

I feel both honoured and extremely grateful that Tanenuiarangi Manawatū Incorporated allowed me the opportunity to partner with them on this journey to bring Urban Eels to life.

Thank you to all who have contributed to and supported our journey together.

NAKU TE ROUROU

NAU TE ROUROU

KA ORA AI TE IWI

WITH YOUR BASKET

AND MY BASKET

THE PEOPLE WILL LIVE.

Ngā mihi.

Link to “Urban Eels: Our Sustainable City” Implementation Plan

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