What has this world come to? On the morning of August 19 I had the sad privilege of witnessing the blessing of the workers on the Southern Pipeline project in Matapihi.

I'm totally upset by our kaumatua, who carried out this ceremony for the Tauranga City Council.

Not only was it against Maori protocols, but it was done to please council's iwi consultation processes.

We, Maori, do not bless the plumbers who build the toilets in our houses. I mean to say, this is what the workers are building, a pipeline carrying human waste products and excrement.

The whole Maori community of Matapihi are against this Southern Pipeline project the city council has thrown at us, but our protests have gone on deaf ears.

C Timutimu, Matapihi.