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A Somber Gathering: Remembering the Landslide Victims on Waitangi Day
This year, the Waitangi Day dawn service at Hopukiore (Mt Drury), Tauranga Moana, held deep emotional significance as it brought together a community grappling with loss. Over 200 residents gathered as the sun rose, marking not just a national holiday, but a poignant moment to honor the victims of the recent landslides that devastated the region.
Community Resilience Amidst Tragedy
In a display of unity, vocal leaders from the community, local iwi representatives, and public officials addressed the crowd, echoing sentiments of solidarity and reflection. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale paid tribute to the eight lives lost, emphasizing that the weight of these tragedies was felt throughout the Bay of Plenty. The community’s strength was highlighted as leaders spoke of the bond that emerges in times of difficulty.
Rich Cultural Elements Enhance the Event
The dawn service commenced at 6:30 am with a traditional whakatau, welcoming all in attendance. Attendees were treated to haka and kapa haka performances that stirred national pride and collective grieving. This cultural display reminded the community of their shared heritage, reinforcing the importance of coming together in the face of adversities.
Reflecting on Lives Lost
Throughout the service, various speakers shared touching anecdotes about the landslide victims, personalizing the tragedy for many attendees. The emotional responses from local kaumātua and rangatahi resonated deeply, inviting everyone present to reflect on their own experiences of loss and hope.
A Promise for the Future
The gathering concluded with a closing karakia, offering collective prayers for the lives impacted by recent events. As tears were shed and stories shared, the people of Tauranga Moana rejuvenated their commitment to one another, promising to support each other in healing and remembrance moving forward.
This year’s Waitangi Day dawn service reverberated with messages of community resilience and healing in the face of tragedy. It served as a reminder that while sorrow can bring a community together, it is the shared memories and collective strength that propel them forward.
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