Tonsils in a tangle over council’s pet proposal for park’s new te reo title
It could end up being known as the park with the unbelievably long name.
Tauranga’s council is seeking lastminute feedback on its name for the new urban space on the site of the old Phoenix carpark in Mount Maunganui. And the name that has been proposed? Te Papa o Nga¯ Manu Porotakataka.
It means “The Place of the Circling Birds” and refers to the fishing tradition of looking for circling birds above schools of fish, as well as a preEuropean settlement skirmish between the Nga¯i Te Rangi and Waitaha tribes in which kites were used.
The name, which was picked up by council staff in partnership with Ngai Tukairangi and Nga¯ti Kuku, has been approved by the full council subject to consultation. But both Tauranga City councillors and local retailers have noted that the name is long, some people will find it hard to pronounce and it will probably be shortened colloquially — or continue to be called Phoenix park.
Carlo Ellis, the council’s strategic Ma¯ori engagement manager, said from a tangata whenua perspective, it was important to have the story of the full name, and there would be signage to explain its origin, meaning and significance.
“But we don’t mind if it gets shortened, like K Valley (Kopurererua) or The Mount (Mauao).” Councillor John Robson supported the name, saying it would be “a challenge for some and a joy for others”.
Councillor Steve Morris said the name was “better than Phoenix Park, especially when you think about how noxious phoenix palms are”.
But among retailers in the area, Nigel Busbridge of V8 Trike Tours and Sylvia Harmsen, of Zohar Gallery, were apprehensive.
“I’m all for keeping Ma¯ori names but make it something people can get their mouths around,” Busbridge said. “Try saying that after you’ve had a couple of drinks.”
Harmsen remarked that consultation often came after the council had made a decision, not before.
“That’s a mouthful. It should be something really simple, one word would be good. Like the Ma¯ori word for surfboard.”
Council staff said it was not required to consult the public on the decision, and there was limited time for the process as the signs — already designed — needed to be made and installed in time for a private blessing, scheduled for December 22, to be followed by a public opening.
They agreed to run a short, paredback consultation including a letter drop and online feedback as councillors wanted residents and retailers in Mount Maunganui North consulted before the name had final sign-off.
A report by council staff member Fiona Nalder said the name told a story and acknowledged the importance of the area to mana whenua.
While tourists might find the name a mouthful, she said Ministry of Culture and Heritage researchers found one-third of international visitors to New Zealand were interested in learning about the culture.
Renae Procter, of clothing store Repertoire, agreed.
“It’s really nice. Any type of iwi influence and storytelling about this place and Mauao is important. People will probably call it Nga¯ Manu, as a shortened version that would be awesome.”