Worst Blog Ever

This weekend, Interpreting Wellington shifted offices, or moved office locations in Canadian terms.  We only moved about 4 blocks further west, but we just couldn’t afford a rent increase that was being imposed on us.  In addition to us, there were also three other organizations that we’re affiliated with that had moved as well.  The move itself was handled by professional movers; we just had to pack and label everything, and the pros would move it all for us.

There were a few logistical elements that I was in charge of, such as ensuring the phone system was up and running on the Monday that everyone arrived at work.  I was also in charge of ensuring the computers, broadband, routers, etc. were up and running too.  For the most part things went according to plan.  There were a few hiccups along the way such as all DDI numbers were routed through the main switchboard, and one old computer bit the dust along the way.  By the way, if anyone knows how to remove an IBM Netvista computer hard drive, without physically destroying the case, please let me know…not that it matters now, because I physically destroyed the case.

So now, with the moving details behind us, we had the Maori Blessing Ceremony today.  The Maori believe that when you move premises, the old spirits should be asked to leave.  They are not driven out, but are instead asked to leave.  Those spirits that do not wish to leave are free to stay on the premises, as protectors.  The ceremony begins with a short prayer outside the building, led by the Maori person performing the ceremony.  Then the group follows the Holy man inside the building as he chants, and sings, asking the spirits to leave.  He would walk through each and every room of the building with the entire group in tow, and everyone would be encouraged to touch the walls, furnishings, etc., leaving a little of our own warmth behind.  In essence, claiming the building for our use.

After each room had been blessed, we follow them to a meeting room, where he would say a short prayer, and then everyone would join in a Maori song.  To end off the ceremony, each and every person would be asked to say a few words, and then the food would be blessed.

All in all, I found the ceremony to be quite enlightening.