Trail Blessed

Former Anglican Bishop of Auckland, Bruce Gilberd, prepares to bless the Pauanui to Duck Creek section of the trail. Pictured with him are Ngati Maru representative Moana Jones, centre and Trail Committee Chairman Gary Fowler.


A ceremony to bless the Pauanui to Tairua Trail was held on Saturday, August 30.


Retired Auckland Bishop, Bruce Gilberd, who now lives in Tairua, performed the blessing in the presence of Moana Jones representing Ngati Maru and Trail Committee members.


Bishop Gilberd gave the Trail a Maori name, Te Ara O Pauanui which means "Walk of Pauanui"
before saying two prayers of blessing.


Moana Jones  explained that the Maori name for Duck Creek was "Whio Whio" which means Blue Duck.