Deputy mayor Kelvin Clout's invitation to a bombing session immediately following the official opening of the new waterfront pier this morning didn't have any takers.

He tried to rope in a few fellow councillors following the early morning karakia, but it was raining and there was shelter, breakfast, and a video laid on at the art gallery.

'Eight thirty, then,” says Kelvin.

About 30-40 people including Mayor Greg Brownless, CEO Garry Poole, councillors, staff, contractors and design representatives braved morning showers to attend the blessing ceremony led by Ngaitamarawaho kaumatua Tamati Tata.

It marks some of the first concrete steps in a waterfront beautification programme that has kicked back into gear in recent years with the walkway and now the stairs, pier and pontoon.

Now the stairs are open the line of containers and safety fences which have blocked the view of the project are in the process of being removed.

'It was amazing how many people were peering through and wanted to get a glimpse of what was happening here and I think everyone will be really excited to see it come to fruition,” says Kelvin.

'One of the objectives of this of course, is to create some vibrancy in the CBD, and I believe that will happen in lots of ways that we may not even realise now as to how this whole area may be used.

'I'm looking forward to seeing how community embraces this development. It will also be fantastic for tourists coming to visit our CBD and of course the many workers that are here during the day I'm sure when it's a fine day they will all come and dip their toes in the water along with their lunch.

He thanked the planners, designers, contractors and council staff involved.

Councillors approved the project at a council meeting on December 15, 2015, following feedback from the community, iwi and water users on the proposed concept.

The project including tidal stairs, Masonic pier and pontoon, ranges between $2.6 million and $3.2 million. These costs will be refined now the detailed design is completed.

Council's Long Term Plan 2015-2025 allocated $8 million, to be spent in the first five years, for city centre and waterfront development to improve the streetscape, waterfront and open spaces in the heart of the city.

The access to water project has been developed in parallel with the Tauranga City Centre Spatial Framework – a visual representation of what we want our public spaces and streets, and waterfront to be. A big part of this is the reconnection with water and access to the water.

To learn more about the Access to Water project, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz

Up to 40 people braved the rain to attend the official opening of ceremony of the new waterfront pier this morning. Photos: Andrew Campbell.

Ngai Tamarawaho kaumatua Tamati Tata led this morning's blessing.

ART REFLECTS ‘TAURANGA'S MARINE HISTORY AND CONNECTIONS'

Etched into the stairs is a karakia and story about Tauranga and it is possible to see different parts of this depending on the tide level.

Artist Elliot Collins worked closely with Ngai Tamarawaho in the development of the artwork and use of the karakia. The karakia and poetry have been painted in colours reflecting the surrounding environment.

The beautiful Karakia o Mauao etched into the tidal steps, which was approved for use by local tangata whenua, tells of how the mountain arrived at its present home at the water's edge and how the features of the land and harbour were formed on its journey.

There is also a poem written alongside the karakia, written by Elliot Collins in English, which tells a different story of the feeling and experiences you have on the waterfront now.

'My artwork draws on Tauranga's Māori and Pakeha history, blended with contemporary concepts, it will act as an aspirational symbol for the future of the city. The karakia for the city will be a wish or desire of hope for the future,” says Elliot.

Artistic lighting will be installed along the pier, designed by Marcus McShane, which adds another dimension to this whole area.

People can now wander along the new pier and enjoy the fantastic view across the water, but remember Surf Lifesaving New Zealand's water safety messages – check the water conditions first if you want to go swimming or jump off the bombing platform. Please also keep children away from the car parking area and watch out for trains.