Invercargill Central – Mal’s Impressions
Business news is presented by
It’s here and open, stage 1 at least of Invercargill Central.
Today’s opening marks a significant milestone in the multi, multi million dollar project that will transform the centre of down town Invers.
To set the scene, picture lots of feverish activity by the many retailers that opened their doors and welcomed customers at 9 this morning.
Shop staff were doing last minute prep work, putting stickers and billboards up and making final adjustments to stock on the shelves and the spray and cleaning, and more cleaning while the invited dignitaries mingled, networked, talked on mobile phones and sipped hot coffee.
Construction workers were doing final bits and pieces to make sure that everything was ticketty-boo.
Come official opening ceremony, local Ngai Tahu kaumatua Michael Skerrett started proceedings with a theme of let us be one with our rivers, mountains and land, and with one and other. Appropriate words for our current times.
Michael Skerrett said he gave a karakia before the old buildings were cleared at the start of the project. This morning he gave another karakia to bless what’s on the site now and the good things to come.
Invercargill Central site manager Kelvin Mooney kept it brief and to the point thanking everyone who attended and of course those who have made this epic dream come true.
Mayor Tim was called on to do the honours cutting the ribbon. There was a slightly awkward moment when the official scissors did a disappearing act but were quickly recovered ready for the red ribbon to be cut.
Mayor Tim did say that he has cut a lot of ribbons in his tenure as mayor but this will surely be one of the most significant for our city.
In a matter of minutes it was all over and stage 1 of Invercargill Central was open. All that guests had to do was wait a wee while as last, last, last minute prep work was done so customers could be welcomed 0900hours.
Where would we be without the last minute?
Onwards and upwards, it’ll only be a matter of time before other stages are opened up. Can’t wait.