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Building project blessed, breaks ground

 

BY JULIA WADE

18 MF-Artblessing-193Despite the soaking rain and ominous clouds, a group of devoted artists and supporters huddled under umbrellas on a wet early evening to witness the traditional first sod turned and blessing given on land destined for art and creativity. 


Mangawhai Artist Inc. (MAI) eight month plan to extend the Moir Street art gallery took a big step to becoming a reality on September 10.

The build includes a new room to hold year-round art workshops and classes concurrently with exhibitions, along with much-needed bathroom facilities.

Nature actually behaved briefly, a break in the persistent showers allowing local Matua Ben Hita to bless the future building site with a karakia and waiata, and for library hall committee chair Rosemary Browne and MAI’s Grant Mitchell to dig over the first spade of earth. 

“As soon as the land dries enough, the building will start,” says project development sub-committee leader Grant Mitchell. “We’re hoping the extension will be finished by end of February 2020.” 

A successful community crowd-fundraising campaign starting in February and raising over $110,000 in five weeks made the extension possible, as well as support from local business Placemakers, MAI’s chair Mary-Anne Boyd says. 

“So many people have helped us get to the stage where the construction can start and it is exciting to facilitate and project-manage significant improvements to this community-owned building and to set it in good shape for use by the community for many years to come.

“This land was always designated for the community… and the gallery is a community asset, owned by the community for the community… we’re very thankful for all their support.” 

 Follow MAI on Facebook, visit mangawhaiartists.co.nz, or contact mangawhaiartists@gmail.com for more information.

Supporters watch on as library hall committee chair Rosemary Browne and MAI’s Grant Mitchell break the first ground. Local Matua Ben Hita performs a blessing for the project. PHOTO/JULIA WADE
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