3 May 2017

Porirua’s newest streets could be named for the whio or kōkako once they are built.

Kenepuru Landing, which could have 700 residential lots in the former Porirua Hospital grounds, is a joint project between Ngāti Toa Rangitira and Carrus Ltd.

Under Porirua City Council’s Street Naming and Renaming Policy 2006, it was noted that included in the themed street names were Ascot Park’s famous racehorses, Papakowhai’s Scottish rivers and Whitby’s nautical and Captain Cook themes, while land at Kenepuru has “theme required” in anticipation of future development.

On Thursday, the Council’s City Delivery Committee decided the theme for the new development, after consultation with Ngāti Toa, would be “Māori names for New Zealand Flora and Fauna”.

The decision will need to be endorsed a meeting of the full Council.

An initial suggestion was Māori names for New Zealand birds, but many of these in the Wellington region have already been taken. There are still about 11 Maori bird names available – including the whio (blue duck), kōkako and tieke (saddleback) – but it was agreed the broader theme of New Zealand flora and fauna allowed for greater options outside just birds.

Committee chairperson Anita Baker said with many of Porirua’s older streets giving a nod to European settlers, Māori names needed to be embraced for the new ones.

“A street-naming theme can really add to the village experience and we hope that will be created in Kenepuru Landing,” she said.

Porirua Mayor Mike Tana loved the idea of a Whio Place or Tieke Street.

“Māori names for our new streets are most appropriate and will be enduring,” he said. “It highlights how important our relationship with Ngāti Toa Rangitira is and the connection this city has with Te Reo and Aotearoa’s Māori heritage.”

Once the Council has agreed to the theme, the developer will be able to submit street names consistent with the theme for approval.

ends

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