Media Release

Embargoed against publication/broadcast until 9.30am, Monday 23 July, 2007-07-23

Council Accepts Reasons for Withdrawal of Name for Whare

Te Kaunihera o Manukau today (Monday 23 July 2007) acknowledges and respects the decision of Te Kaunihera Pakeke O Ngaitai Iwi, Torere, and Ngai Tai Umupuia Te Waka Totara Trust to withdraw the name of their revered ancestor Torere nui-a-rua from the whare located in the Emilia Maude Nixon Garden of Memories in Howick.

The whare has been used to host Maori culture and language education programmes but has been closed for some two years since being subject to arson. A resource consent hearing to decide on a council application to rebuild the whare opens in Howick today.

Acting council Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said today that it is appropriate that the name return to Ngaitai, Torere, where it can be accorded the protection and respect that it deserves.

“The council regrets that the proposed rebuild of the fire-damaged whare in the Garden of Memories has embroiled the name of Torere nui-a-rua in dispute,” Mr Maxwell said. “We understand the desire of Ngaitai Iwi, Torere, and Ngai Tai Umupuia to withdraw their tupuna’s name to protect it from the risk of ongoing disrespect.”

Mr Maxwell said the council will move as quickly as possible to remove from its official records and ongoing proceedings the name Torere nui-a-rua from any association with the whare in the gardens.

He added that, should the resource consent for the proposed rebuild of the whare be approved, the council will embark on a process of consultation to decide on an appropriate name for the new whare.

“The council is very pleased that, while Ngaitai Iwi, Torere, and Ngai Tai Umupuia have withdrawn the name of their tupuna from this whare, they still strongly support the rebuild proposal and the cultural programmes that take place there.”

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Ngaitai Iwi, Torere, use their iwi name as one word, Ngaitai.

Ngai Tai Umpuia use their iwi name as two words, Ngai Tai.

Council respectfully asks that media reports on this issue (aside from reporting the name withdrawal) from now on refer to the whare in the Garden of memories simply as “the whare” and respect Ngai Tai’s wishes not to have the name of their tupuna attached to the whare.

ENDS

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