Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust (the Trust) was disappointed to learn that a significant amount of money went towards the development of a proposed slogan, which produced a name that has been used for centuries.

Tāmaki Makaurau ‘the land loved by many’ is a translation used by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and many iwi across the region.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has had limited consultation during the brand development and is surprised to be named as being connected to this mahi.

The Trust is disappointed that this proposed slogan is likely to end up on the scrap heap because the process has not been handled well. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei believes a lot of time and money could have been saved by simply engaging with iwi and the community.

Trustee Ngarimu Blair was part of the initial Advisory Group for the Global Auckland Project; however, he was invited to join the Group in a personal capacity and only attended two meetings before it was disbanded.

Neither Mr Blair nor Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust was consulted on the final proposed brand names that were reported in today’s NZ Herald.

Mr Blair was one of the volunteers brought on to the project because of their commitment to Tāmaki Makaurau. The volunteers were not paid for their time and the Advisory Group was disbanded before the proposed slogans were presented.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust is happy to play a role in the brand development moving forward as it wants to see the City promoted well.

ENDS

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