Bi-lingual signs part of centre
Matamata-Piako District Council has moved out of the 1950s and into the 21st century by agreeing to install bi-lingual signs inside its newest public facility.
Signs in English, and Maori, will greet people when they visit the Matamata-Piako Civic and Memorial Centre when it constructed on Tanui St.
Pou carvings and whaariki panels would also feature inside the new building.
The council, at its corporate and operations committee meeting, ’’endorsed’’ bi-lingual signage to feature as part of the civic centre.
The committee noted that bilingual signs were now part of ‘‘council policy’’.
The council welcomed an offer from iwi representatives to assist with appropriate terms and phrases for the signage.
It would include suggestions for room names inside the new centre.
Councillors initially considered a proposal, at a council workshop earlier this year, from Ngati Haua, Ngati Hinerangi, Raukawa and staff, to provide carvings for the new building.
The size and position of the carvings, Pou Maumahara, was yet to be confirmed but the committee agreed with the concept at an estimated cost of $15,500, with a design to be approved.
The committee agreed the council approve the provision of up to five whaariki panels at a cost of $500 each.
It also agreed that the council consider an expenditure of $450 for the kowhaiwhai design of the reception desk front panel at the new centre.
The resource ditions for the consent concivic centre included the ability to recycle and incorporate materials removed from the now demolished 1940 borough building.
There was also a condition to provide a display of drawings, photographs and information regarding the borough building.
The Roll of Honour and Cenotaph had been wrapped and remained in place, while the new centre was built around them.
There was still no resolution over the future of the water fountain, also in front of the new centre on Tainui St. It was donated by Peter George Petersen, an air force wireless operator in World War II.
In March, in the Council In Focus publication, the council said the water feature would be removed, updated and sited within the new complex.