My Account
It takes more than bad weather and worse traffic to put the people of Wellsford off and Saturday, July 1 was no exception, when more than 500 people flocked to the town’s Memorial Library to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Despite SH1 through the Dome being closed, and continued wild winds and squally showers, the library was busy all morning as birthday celebrations and a range of entertainment took place.
Events got underway with a formal welcoming ceremony, with kaumatua Joseph Kapea of Te Uri O Hau and Richard Nahi representing Auckland Council as kaikōrero, followed by a number of different speakers and musicians, including the Assorted Biscuits choir.
One of the highlights came from local kaumatua Herby Skipper, of Te Uri o Hau and Ngāti Manuhiri, who gave a talk on the new statues at the Pukerito roundabout, at the northern end of Ara Tūhono, the new
Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway. He shared the story of two princesses, Reipae and Reitū, who followed a hawk, Te Hau Atawhiowhio, on their journey from Waikato to Whāngarei, resting in Tohitohi O Te Rei, or the Dome Valley, on the way.
There were also games and puzzles for children, food, stalls and refreshments.
Library manager Jamie Robertson said the celebrations had gone off with a real bang, with the building full of people all morning
“It was great day for the community I think, especially after all the struggles and hardships this year,” he said. “They came out in force.”
He said it was a real privilege to welcome Richard Nahi back, as he had been present for the library’s inaugural blessing when it opened in 2013, and he expressed his thanks to the community and Wellsford library staff, especially Gene Nicolson and Elizabeth Dowling, who oversaw organisation of the celebrations.
