In preparation for the ground breaking, marking the start of construction of the Te Rapa section of the Waikato Expressway, a prayer was chanted by local Kaumatua - Sunna Thompson. Mr Thompson is a respected representative from Ngati Mahanga hapu a sub tribe of Waikato - the hapu have a long historical connection to the lands that the Te Rapa Expressway is to be built upon.
The purpose of the blessing was to cover the historical connection to the lands that are within their hapu and iwi boundaries. The blessing also acknowledges the cultural genealogy of Maori genesis and beginnings to the earth mother Papatuanuku, the future developments of the Te Rapa expressway which includes the workers the machinery and all physical aspects to do with the land that were once Ngati Mahanga managed and they were guardians too.
Minister of Transport Hon Steven Joyce, used a ko (the traditional Maori digging shovel) to break the ground, which was passed to him by Te Ariki Pihama a representative of Ngati Mahanga and environmental manager for the tribe.
A translation of the prayer chanted by Mr Thompson is as follows:
The Chant - Waerea te one tapu .....
Clear the sacred soil
I call on the forces / energies from the sea to the mountains
I call on the forces / energies from inland to the wider and furthest waterways
Bind together and clear the land
Bring forth the sacred words
Spoken by the ancient Gods and past tribes connected to this land
Rending a passage for the future of all people
Go forward
Go forward
Stand and hear us o Rongo (God of Peace)
Go before us and calm the path
From mischievous forces
Stand and hear us o Tuu (God of War)
Go before us and clear the path
From mischievous forces
Let the Heavens and Rangi (sky Father)
Look down on Papa (Earth Mother)
And shield her
Let the heavens and Rangi (sky Father)
Look down on Papa (Earth Mother)
And shield us
Sacred Sacred is the day
Sacred Sacred is the night
Sacred Sacred is life
Sacred Sacred is mankind
Let us breathe as one
Bring forth the ko
Let us all agree
Hui e Taiki e ....... (It is completed)
