14.9.4 Karakia
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Karakia are conducted to remove tapu (imposed restriction), when dedicating or blessing areas for specific purposes, or for opening or reopening facilities.
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When the tapu is removed, there is a state of noa (without restriction) allowing for full utilisation of the area or facility.
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A dedication/ blessing can occur when mana whenua or the council decide a ceremony needs to be conducted. This may be conducted when celebrating the beginning or ending of a project, completing a programme, launching a facility or event, commissioning or decommission taonga (anything cherished), rāhui (restricted access), gifting, welcoming new people or saying farewell, moving office, naming places or things, or any other occasion that does not warrant a pōwhiri or mihi whakatau.
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Blessings may take many forms and may be determined by the person conducting the ceremony, such as a tohunga, minister or the person leading the proceedings.
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Karakia are usually conducted at the beginning and end of a ceremony and may include mihi.