There was a major milestone for the Royal Commission early this morning, Friday 11 September, with the official blessing of the public hearing floor on Level 2 of our Khyber Pass, Auckland office.

Due to current alert levels and social distancing requirements in Auckland, the blessing was attended by five representatives of Ngāti Whātua and five members of the Commission: Chair Coral Shaw, Commissioners Anaru Erueti and Sandra Alofivae, Simon Mount QC, Counsel Assisting and Chris Merrick, Counsel Assisting (Māori investigation). 

Clay Hawke led the Ngāti Whātua delegation.  The blessing ended with a light breakfast for attendees.  The Māori name of the public hearing space (Tii Tu Tahi) was gifted to the Commission by Ngāti Whātua.  Indigenous to the whenua, Tii raakau inspire the potential of new beginnings. Many thanks to Ngāti Whātua for completing this blessing.

Photo caption L-R Back: Clay Hawke, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Anaru Erueti, Commissioner, Simon Mount QC, Counsel Assisting

L-R Front: Sandra Alofivae, Commissioner, Judge Coral Shaw, Chair, Sharon Hawke, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Taumata