CPC celebrates the launch of Our Whare Our fale
In a bold move to address the housing needs of New Zealand’s Pasefika communities, the Central Pacific Collective proudly announced the launch of a life-changing housing development in eastern Porirua, on Thursday 31st of October.
Posted on
2 Dec 2024
Standing alongside CPC to mark the key milestone was local iwi landowner and life-partner Ngāti Toa Rangatira. Attendees took part in a blessing and ground-breaking ceremony that was a true celebration of Pasefika culture and community.
The morning commenced with a blessing of the roads by Dr Taku Parai, Callum Katene and Helmut Modlik of Te Ruanga o Toa Rangatira. Ngāti Toa rangatahi lay a stone from Whitireia maunga in the fenua before a commemorating haka.
Church ministers from the community then blessed the site and opened the day in prayer – led by Rev Nove Vailaau, Rev Hiueni Nuku, Rev Mau Vaerua, Pastor Luke Mudu, Rev Faulkland Liuvaie, Pastor Ken and Tai Toach, Rev Tui Sopoaga.
Ahead of the ground-breaking ceremony attendees were welcomed by MC’s Magele Maria Uluilelata & Kitiona Tauira, both representatives from CPC’s Community Advisory Group.
CPC CEO Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira opened the formal speeches, telling attendees that the day fulfilled many dreams. “Our ancestors wanted our children to have a greater opportunity to thrive, [and] today is a fulfilment of those hopes for daring to dream,” he said.
The formal turning of the sod
Attendees also heard moving accounts from Ngati Toa Rangatira CEO Helmut Modlik, Porirua City Council Mayor Anita Baker and Associate Minister of Housing Hon Tama Potaka.
The formal turning of the sod was undertaken alongside twelve youth members, each representing some of the different Pasifika nations across the local community. Pacific Connection led the closing of the event with a Tongan hymn Teu Hiki. CPC was grateful to all who attended the day and made it such a memorable start for the project.
‘Ole tele o sulu e maua ai figota’ – through all our efforts and collaboration, the most difficult challenges ahead can be overcome as we continue to serve our communities.
‘Ole tele o sulu e maua ai figota’ – through all our efforts and collaboration, the most difficult challenges ahead can be overcome as we continue to serve our communities.
