Maori King confirmed for centenary celebrations



Te Arikinui King Tuheitia will join His Excellency, Anand Satyanand the Governor General and Waipa District Mayor Alan Livingston in officiating the Victoria Bridge centenary celebrations on Saturday December 15.

The official ceremony will begin at 1.30pm with the arrival of the official party, followed by a powhiri.  The formal ceremony will begin at 1.45pm with speeches, to be followed by the official ribbon cutting ceremony, then the Waikato Mounted Rifles will escort the official party over the bridge.  At 2.30, former District Commissioner of Works Barry Butcher will give a short presentation on the history of the bridge, followed by the unveiling of the centenary plaque.

Ngati Haua will perform a karakia and waiata, and a procession of 100 years of transport will round off the official part of the day.

On the day of the centenary celebrations, the bridge will be closed to vehicles between 7am – 6pm, and pedestrians from 1.15pm – 2.30pm.

Members of the public are warmly invited to attend the official ceremony.

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