Māori names and stories returned to the whenua
Names dating back to stories treasured by Māori are being returned to the whenua in parks across communities in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area.
The local board has adopted 18 names from mana whenua as part of the council’s cultural identity programme, Te Kete Rukuruku.
Names for another 32 parks are being determined.
The first of the names has now been revealed with the unveiling of signs bearing the new dual name Waenganui / Allenby Park in Papatoetoe.
“Our local board is incredibly honoured to receive and reinstate these taonga, the names and histories of mana whenua," said Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia.
“The distinct cultures in our local board area are our strength. Our community has told us that ensuring Māori arts, culture and history being more visible in public places is really important to them and this is a really simple but powerful way we can do that and something we will look after and treasure.”
Ngāti Tamaoho, who named the park, said the ceremony marked an important milestone.
"For Ngāti Tamaoho that is exciting because focussing on the whenua is something we have really pushed for over the years,” said Ngāti Tamaoho Charitable Trust chair Tori Ngataki.
The board chose Waenganui / Allenby Park to have a full suite of bilingual signs including a new entrance sign with the name Waenganui / Allenby Park, an interpretive sign with the narrative in te reo Māori and English, and a QR code allowing people to scan their phone to hear the correct pronunciation.
Information helping people to navigate will be displayed in English and Maori on public facilities around the park.
Regulatory signs such as bylaw and alcohol ban information will feature in English and te reo Maori.
Illegal dumping. See it, report it.
Call us on 0800 NO DUMP (0800 663 867). Illegal dumpers can be fined up to $30,000.
The Building Guys
Call us today! If you’re looking for a friendly family run business with over 35 years renovation experience then choose us.
We are based in East Auckland and have a team of good qualified people – Jade (the builder), Kelvin (the plumber), Chevi (the electrician) and Russell (the tiler) to do every job right. Our team follows industry guidelines on coronavirus safety procedures to keep your family protected.
Book online using the link below or call Lucy on 021 022 55 388 for a chat about your amazing renovation plans.
Be safe!
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
-
91.4% Yes
-
8.1% No
-
0.5% Other - I'll share below!