Last Saturday Oct 10, the official opening of the Balmoral Forestry Lookout was held thus concluding our project – apart from continued maintenance of the building. After a welcome, blessing, prayer and waiata performed by Ngai Tuahuriri representatives, and speeches by Department of Conservation officers, Hurunui Mayor Marie Black, and project manager for the Lions Dave Hislop, Lions president Bruce Churchward cut the ribbon to officially open the facility. Dave then received a Conservation Week 2020 Award on behalf of the club. Despite the overcast conditions of the day it was still a great occasion to mark the completion of an outstanding addition to the district’s attractions and the conservation of an historical icon.
Arriving for the Opening Ceremony 
Gathering before the Opening 
Entry to the Balmoral Conservation Area 
Dave with the Conservation Week Award 
Hurunui District Council Mayor Marie Black speaks about her family’s connection with the Lookout 
Opening Ceremony participants look down over the forest 
Lions Balmoral Project manager Dave Hislop speaks 
Addressing the participants at the Lookout Opening 
Ngai Tuahuriri opens the ceremony with a welcome.