Just towards the end of a karakia aimed at reawakening the spirits in the Cambridge Town Hall on Monday, a door slammed shut in the distant.
Karakia complete: Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā who reawakened the ancestors and rid the Town Hall of the spirits, from left: Gladys Tomlinson, Luana Tauroa, Hamona Samuels, Ricky Winikerei and Ramari Samuels. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
To those gathered, there was little doubt that was one of the spirits leaving the historic building so work could begin on the Victoria Room renovation.
Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā – who have been working closely with the trust set up to breathe new life into the Town Hall – presided over the karakia.
Outside the Victorian Room entrance, Ricky Winikerei used a conch shell to reawaken the ancestors and then accompanied by Haimona and Ramari Samuels, Gladys Tomlinson and Luana Tauroa walked around the hall to make the building safe for contractors.
Ngāti Korokī Kahukura’s Ramari Samuels walks around the Victoria Room awakening and ridding the room of its spirits which she described as “friendly” ones. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The room is the first off the blocks for the $4.4 million renovation work which will see the “old lady” refurbished over eight months.
The room on the western side opposite Victoria Square will have a new kitchenette and more toilet facilities making it more suitable as a standalone space for events.
The Edwardian Room – where work will start in March – will have a new commercial kitchen and bar with space for a moveable grand piano.
A new heating and cooling system are going in throughout the hall, the roof replaced, while new tables, digital TV screens, urns, kitchen appliances and glassware have already been added.
Ricky Winikerei on the conch shell outside Cambridge Town Hall’s Victorian Room.
Cambridge Town Hall blessing in the Victorian Room.
Woodview Construction was granted the contract last month.
Town Hall Trust general manager Simon Brew said the construction plan allowed for the hall to be used.
“It was important that the works were completed in a way that allowed the venue to continue operating. We aim to minimise disruption, prioritising bookings and maintain a full schedule of events,” he said.
Cambridge Town Hall blessing in the main hall.
Winikerei said it had been “awesome” to be part of the journey with the trust.
“Moving forward is all part of this journey. I can’t wait to see what happens next,” he said.
Haimona Samuels said the Town Hall, built in 1909, was a landmark building with a lot to share.
The renovations would open it up to everyone, he said.
See: Upgrade plan for ‘old lady’
See: Siren’s final call
Cambridge Town Hall general manager Simon Brew talks about making the Town Hall safe for contractors while watching on from Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā, from left: Ricky Winikerei, Luana Tauroa, Gladys Tomlinson and Haimona Samuels. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
