On Sunday 6th October, Hawke's Bay Branch President, Paddy Bayley welcomed approximately 70 members attending the special unveiling ceremony. She acknowledge the support from representatives of the Napier City Council, following many weeks of consultation and sincerely thanked them for assisting with our 40th Anniversary project. This “Information post” is the first of the new information signs the Napier City Council will be placing along the walkway around Ahuriri. Committee member Faye Sherriff was thanked for her assistance with initial contacts.
Paddy explained that in the early years settlement in Hawke's Bay was very restricted as it did not have a good harbour. Napier was declared a port of entry in 1855.
40 years go, the Hawke’s Bay Branch of the NZ Founders Society was formed.
“This year as a special project we decided to honour all settlers to our wonderful province with a commemorative project. We felt that this was a very appropriate time to acknowledge the arrival of early settlers not only to all New Zealand Ports prior to 31 December 1865, but also those hardy immigrants who travelled overland to settle in Hawke's Bay”
Following a special prayer “For Our Country” and these words were read by Branch President,
“It is a privileged and great pleasure, as not only Hawke’s Bay branch President, but also New Zealand Founders National President, I now unveil and dedicate our special project honouring all early settlers, regardless of their ethnicity, acknowledging their hardy spirit and enterprise developing our wonderful province and country of New Zealand.”
Paddy then unveiled the New Zealand Flag from the Information Post, with assistance from Secretary Richard Bayley.
Members showed their appreciation with applause. The New Zealand Founders Creed was recited.
The final Blessing:
Watch over and bless all those who have that wonderful privilege regardless of their ethnicity, to live in unity in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Amen
Members were thanked for their attendance on this momentous occasion.