A blessing and karakia were held at the site of the Auckland shooting. Photo: RNZ / Delphine Herbert
Iwi leaders, members of the public, business leaders and LT McGuinness construction workers gathered in Auckland's CBD to give karakia and bless the site where two people were killed in a shooting last week.
Wattle Downs resident Tupuga Sipiliano, 44, and Manurewa resident Solomona To'oto'o, 45, were killed by co-worker Matu Reid who opened fire in the construction site.
Eight people were injured in the shooting, including a police officer.
Reid, 24, died from self-inflicted injuries at the building on 1 Queen Street, where he had been allowed to work while on home detention.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei led the early morning events which began with a private ceremony in which iwi and staff members walked up all 21 flights of stairs, with karakia being said.
The public ceremony started just before 7am and involved karakia, waiata and a blessing.
Hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects, including Auckland mayor Wayne Brown and government minister Peeni Henare, the MP for Tāmaki Makaurau.
The ceremony had three main chapters; Whakawātea, to clear the space, Whakatea, to mourn those who lost their lives and Whakaora, to heal. The ceremony ended with waiata and karakia.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei deputy chair Ngarimu Blair said it was was important to gather as one whānau.
"Our village really felt it when this tragedy unfolded a week ago ... we are really good friends with Precinct Properties and Britomart, you know, we are one big whānau down here in the CBD in the waterfront so we really felt it.
"As the week unfolded it became apparent to us that we should undertake a ceremony here."
Members of the public gathered from early morning for the ceremonies. Photo: RNZ / Delphine Herbert
The ceremony was about clearing the space, Blair said.
"About also mourning those who passed in this tragedy but also a new day, to move forward with te whakaora."
Henare spoke about the purpose of the karakia and blessing.
''It is true when a stone drops into calm waters, it ripples right across the country and this morning here in Tāmaki Makaurau is a special event, not only to soothe and calm the people of of our great city, but to also to calm the hearts and minds of people right across Aotearoa.
Building owner Precinct Properties CEO Scott Pritchard acknowledged iwi, workers, emergency services and council for their support and courage in response to the tragedy.
''We had a couple hundred people on site and for every one of you and for everyone that has worked on this project for the last for or five years, I extended my love and support to you."
Photo: RNZ / Delphine Herbert
