The blessing was led by Matapopore and Ngāi Tahu representatives Lynne-Harata Te Aika and Te-Kaharoa Manihera. It marks the end of the construction work on the new hot pools, which have been named He Puna Taimoana.
The hot pools have been developed by Development Christchurch Limited and will be run by Christchurch City Council. They will open to the public on Saturday, April 4.
There are five outdoor pools for year-round use, as well as a café, sauna and steam room.
Said DCL chief executive Rob Hall: “This has been an exceptional project for DCL to lead and I’d like to acknowledge the role played by all of our local leaders, community groups, individuals and businesses who’ve been integral to the project.
“We can all see that this is a magnificent place to be.
"When this facility officially opens to the public, we’ll be able to share that knowledge with the rest of the city and visitors from around New Zealand and around the world.
"The opening of He Puna Taimoana will be another milestone in the regeneration of New Brighton and of Christchurch’s east.
"We expect New Brighton to become Christchurch’s seaside village, with great access to the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor and to the coast – all just 15 minutes’ drive from the heart of the city.”
“I’ve got a lot of history in New Brighton - it was a wonderful place to grow up," he said.
"When I was little, we’d go to the whale pool all the time and I took my kids there.
"My grandfather and father had businesses here as well.
"We know the area needs a boost now and, thanks to the passion of the former community board and DCL, things are really starting to happen.
“This is the turning point. Work to concentrate the commercial centre and bring people to this end of the mall is up next and that will make a real difference for New Brighton,” Cr Mauger said.
