Karakia helps workers with emotional toll

2 March, 2011 - 09:23

Work halted briefly at the PGC building early this morning [March 2] so that construction workers and rescue workers could perform a karakia and bless the site.

Operations Manager for Nikau Danny Halley and his team have been working long hours at the PGC site since Friday, and the work is physically and emotionally demanding.

It was important to Danny and his colleagues to show their respects so they approached the Operational Commander of the UK International Search and Rescue team, Shaun Moody.

Around 5.30 this morning a karakia and blessing was performed by rigger Tawera Tamakehu followed by a minute's silence. Police, fire and USAR personnel all took part in the ceremony.

Danny said: "It's good to be a part of the team that is helping get victims back to their loved one. I'm proud to be a part of it; to work with the search and rescue guys; to be able to help the people of Christchurch get some closure."

Shaun Moody can't speak highly enough of the work of Danny and his crew. "Their professionalism is a credit to New Zealand and New Zealanders. Their operational use of the equipment is very sensitive to the needs of the people who lost their lives and their families.

In my period in rescue services I have not seen more proficient equipment operators. We couldn't have done it without them."

Police Supt Russell Gibson said: "It's humbling that a British team working on this site showed such respect for the culture of New Zealand and compassion for the local workers who made the request for a karakia."

ENDS

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