It’s hoped a traditional Maori blessing for the new CPPS North Shore Service Centre will bode well for the building, its staff and visitors.
At dawn on 3 April, representatives from Corrections gathered at the new centre in Glenfield to witness the blessing of the building by local iwi Ngati Whatua.
Service Manager Meri Ruwhiu says CPPS is keen to work closely with local Maori and involving Ngati Whatua in the ceremony was a fitting way to observe tikanga in the opening process.
“We value the relationship we have with them and we want to continue working closely with them in the future.”
Traditionally Maori bless a new building at sunrise, with the presence of a young maiden representing pure thoughts and innocence. Ngati Whatua kaumatua Danny Tumahai and Doc Wikiriwhi led the official blessing with the help of eight-year-old Eden Wairua-Orme.
Contributions to Eden’s dress on the day extended from iwi far and wide. The korowai, made for her grandmother, represented her Taranaki/Tainui roots. The piupiu from Ngati Kahungunu, and the pare (headband) from Tuhoe, were contributed by CPPS staff.
Eden, whose mother Tania is a Senior Probation Officer, wore her school uniform as well, representing the links the office has with the North Shore community.
The ceremony began with a karanga outside the building then moved into the main foyer where 
Area Manager Alastair Riach explained the
building’s purpose and the types of people who would be using it. Each part of the building was then explored and blessed.
“We moved through from room to room behind the kaumatua and Eden, blessing each space with a brief description from individual staff members as to what the kaupapa of each room would be,” says Meri.
A poutama tukutuku panel was brought from the old service centre building and hangs in pride of place in the main foyer. The general meaning of poutama is the ‘steps up to heaven’, but Corrections’ specific meaning was explained by kaumatua on the day.
“The poutama indicates that we (CPPS) are there to help guide offenders up the steps between different realms, helping to equip them with skills to walk from a universe of negativity to one of wellbeing for them and their whanau,” Meri explains.