Latest news with #mana whenua
RNZ News
19-06-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Ngā Pou o Heretaunga return to Hastings Civic Square after restoration
Pou o Heretaunga have returned to Civic Square after undergoing restoration. Photo: Supplied Ngā Pou o Heretaunga have returned to Civic Square in Hastings. Project manager Te Uira Tōmoana, who is working on behalf of Ngā Marae o Heretaunga Charitable Trust, said the pou are more than carvings. "They are living expressions of whakapapa, mana and whanaungatanga. Their return to the square brings a renewed sense of presence and strength," Tōmoana said. "This kaupapa has been led with aroha and deep care by our carvers, whānau and marae," Tōmoana said. Carved by tohunga whakairo and owned by their respective marae within the district of Hastings, 18 of the pou were unveiled in 2013 . Since then, they have stood as cultural markers of identity, whakapapa and unity in the heart of Hastings city. A 19th pou was gifted by the Queen of Rarotonga, Pā Ariki, in 2017 and represents the strong connection between Ngāti Kahungunu and the Takitumu region of Rarotonga. In February of this year, each pou was taken back to its marae to undergo inspection and any necessary maintenance. This is the first full collective check and restoration since their installation. One pou remains offsite for additional work. Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst. Photo: SUPPLIED Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said the council was proud to support the rededication and acknowledged the ongoing guardianship of the pou by mana whenua. "We are privileged to have them returned to the heart of our city," she said. The pou are complemented by new landscaping and maintenance of Civic Square, including the replacement of the 50-year-old pavers, which had become a safety risk. The project cost just under $1 million. Artist collective Iwi Toi Kahungunu developed the tile design, which reflects "unity in Hastings' diversity" and includes a special pattern that pays tribute to the WWI and WWII memorials in the square. The pou were to be rededicated at a dawn ceremony on Friday morning. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
RNZ News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Move to increase te reo Māori street names in Invercargill
More Te Reo Māori street names could appear in Invercargill on the back of the council updating its policy. Photo: LDR / Matthew Rosenberg Te reo Māori street names are on track for a boost in Invercargill as the council takes steps to ensure they are more readily available. In March, an Invercargill City Council meeting revealed confusion around its policy for street names, after a developer failed to bring a single te reo option for consideration. It was revealed that their inclusion was "highly recommended" but not compulsory. On Tuesday, the council looked to fix that issue by suggesting an amendment to its policy meaning one of three names brought to the table would need to be in te reo Māori. The council's mana whenua representatives would also be involved in the process, ensuring the Whakapapa of an area was considered in naming. Council manager strategy, policy and engagement Rhiannon Suter said the process enabled the council to support developers by connecting them with mana whenua representatives for feedback. In the rare circumstance a Māori name could not be provided within 20 working days, three English names could be presented, she said. "We've agreed that this pragmatic approach should result hopefully in the outcome that everybody is wanting to see. "Certainly, that has been the steering provided to us from previous committees, that we would like to see more te reo Māori names ultimately utilised through the district." The change in policy relates to new name applications and is being made under a scheduled review. It is yet to be approved at full council, with Tuesday's decision being a recommendation at committee level. A report prepared for the committee noted it was not appropriate to create a list of pre-selected names because Whakapapa meant the location needed to be considered. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
