New guardian watches over miners City Rail Link Mt Eden
A new guardian will watch over workers preparing to mine the first 50 metres of tunnel at Mt Eden for the City Rail Link.
In the spirit of mining tradition, a statue of St Barbara, the patron saint of miners, was blessed in a dawn ceremony and placed in a shrine near the tunnel entrance.
Ceremonies like this have been repeated worldwide for centuries wherever people go to work underground, said Francois Dudouit, project director for City Rail Link's Link Alliance.
"St Barbara is their guardian and her presence gives assurance that they will be safe below ground."
A statue of St Barbara also watches over workers building the Karangahape underground station.
The saint was an early convert to Christianity who was discovered hiding underground and killed by her pagan father.
Work will start shortly mining the first 50 metres of tunnel at Mt Eden to accommodate the project’s Tunnel Boring Machine.
The machine will excavate the tunnel up to the new Aotea underground station in central Auckland.
Aucklanders will get the chance to see the Tunnel Boring Machine at a public open day being held at Mt Eden early next month.
More details will be announced in mid-November.
Giant toybox, 18-metre tree and festive joy from 'square to square' sprinkle the magic
Ready to feel the magic in the heart of the city? ✨ With 22 days of celebrations, the city centre is buzzing with holiday cheer!
🎁 A giant toybox lighting up Aotea Square
🎄 An 18-metre Christmas tree dazzling at Te Komititanga
🎶 Live music, markets, and so much more!
It’s Riddle Time! Beat the Neighbourhood with Your Smarts!
Which of the following words don't belong in the group and why?
CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS
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Mana (Authority, Power, and Prestige) - Day 16
Māui and the Sacred Fire
Māui, a legendary hero, sought to bring fire to the people from Mahuika, the Atua of fire. Māui approached Mahuika with respect for her mana, acknowledging her as the keeper of sacred power. Through wit and humility, he earned her trust, receiving the secret of fire to share with humankind. This act elevated Māui's mana and showed the importance of respecting authority while using power for the greater good.
Moral: Recognise and honour the mana of others while wielding authority with responsibility and integrity.