04 December 2006
Collective Māori name for libraries
Kapiti Coast District Libraries now have their own collective Māori name, “Ngā Mātāpuna ā Kupu”. Te Paea Paringatai,
Kapiti Coast District Libraries’ Kaitautoko Māori Wharepukapuka / Māori Services Librarian, said today.
“The name doesn’t replace the individual names gifted to each library in their community and will only be used in
combination with the wording “Kapiti Coast District Libraries”.
“Ngā Mātāpuna ā Kupu literally means spring/source of information.
“Mātāpuna is symbolic of water which is very appropriate, given our geographic location and landmarks like Kapiti
Island. Ā Kupu is a short word that encompasses all formats of information, be they books, DVDs, internet, social
gatherings, etc.
“Both the English and Māori name will be used together in all our printed material including the library website,
library brochures, library newsletters and promotional material.
ENDS