Latest news with #Maaori
Scoop
07-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Next Chapter For Hamilton's Leaky Library
Hamilton City Council is set to replace the ageing and damaged facade of the Garden Place building in a six-month project starting in August. The current facade of the 1970s building is at the end of its life, with years of water damage in difficult-to-access areas ruling out 'quick fixes' as an option. Rebecca Whitehead, Council's Unit Director Community Services, said while the replacement is underway, the library will remain open and safe to use. 'This is about taking care of our buildings and making sure the Central Library is safe and fit-for-purpose for the thousands of Hamiltonians who use and rely on the library each year.' The replacement will safeguard the library's historical archives, a collection of more than 140,000 items, and one of the city's busiest community hubs – with more than 145,000 visits and 430 events hosted last year. While the work is essential, the new facade will also make a statement. 'When finished, it will reflect the commitment that Council has in supporting the future of its libraries and the central city for people to live, work, and thrive.' Whitehead said the facade was designed in collaboration with mana whenua and symbolises the library's role as a place of knowledge and discovery. 'The design includes a Maaori proverb (whakataukii) done in a creative, yet simple way. The letters are horizontal which will cast a shadow of the phrase on the building, moving throughout the day to represent how stories from the past can change in meaning over time,' explained Whitehead. 'The eastern side of the facade will have a grid of coloured LEDs that form a simple digital art display. Together, these elements highlight the library's cultural significance and its role in an ever-changing future.' 'The 2019 mural was a beautiful way to brighten up the space while we sorted out a long-term solution for the facade. The art was always going to be temporary and we're working with Boon Arts Festival to see what other opportunities there are in the city for more stunning murals.' This is one of the many projects underway to maintain and enhance the central city, especially Garden Place. Other work includes enhanced lighting, new street furniture and plantings, and new cobblestones on Worley Place. The tender process for the facade construction is taking place from May to July with work expected to begin in August. The project is expected to be completed in February 2026.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Celebrating The Past, Present And Future Of Raahui Pookeka
Press Release – Waikato District Council Crafted by respected Rangatira and Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga art teacher Patrick Takoko, and blessed by Harley Raihe, Pou Tikanga Maaori Partnerships at Waikato District Council, the Pou stands as a powerful symbol which commemorates the past and inspires … Having undergone a long journey from relocation to restoration, a new chapter for Raahui Pookeka | Huntly railway station was marked last week with the blessing and unveiling of a Pou. Pou are carved wooden posts that symbolise guardianship and, here, tell the story of how Raahui Pookeka was given its name. Community members, mana whenua, Waikato District Council staff, Deputy Mayor Carolyn Eyre, and members of the Huntly Railway Committee gathered last Wednesday for the special ceremony at the historic station, which is being restored as a community museum. Crafted by respected Rangatira and Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga art teacher Patrick Takoko, and blessed by Harley Raihe, Pou Tikanga Maaori Partnerships at Waikato District Council, the Pou stands as a powerful symbol which commemorates the past and inspires future generations. 'The tomokanga, or entranceway, of the Pou represents the story of how Raahui Pookeka got its name and speaks of the tuna (eel),' says Harley. 'Historically, tuna were overfished in the local river, and in response, the chief placed a raahui, or ban, on tuna fishing to protect and replenish this important food source.' According to the koorero shared at the event, the chief marked the raahui by creating a Pou and wrapping it in strands of harakeke from his pookeka, a rain cloak made of flax. As time went on and the tuna replenished, the chief drove the Pou into the ground, symbolising the end of the raahui and giving rise to the name Raahui Pookeka. The new Pou unveiled at the station tells this story through its detailed carvings, with the left side of the tomokanga depicting the time when tuna were scarce, while the right side shows the abundance of tuna that returned after the raahui. On each side of the Pou are two stainless steel panels, free from Maaori patterns, symbolising the wider community and the importance of working together. Hori Awa, CEO of Waahi Whaanui Trust and mana whenua representative, supported the blessing by sharing heartfelt memories of his father's long service at the railway station, bringing a personal touch to the event. Deputy Mayor Carolyn Eyre says the unveiling is another meaningful milestone in the transformation of the Raahui Pookeka station into a local museum. 'This Pou tells a powerful story and anchors the station as an integral part of the community. 'It's been a long journey, but we can't wait to see the new museum open later this year, paying further homage to the past, present and future of Raahui Pookeka.' Community members and tourists alike will be able to visit the brand-new museum when it opens later this year to learn about the cultural and historical significance of Raahui Pookeka. To read more about the journey of the railway station and the original 1939 heritage building that has been repurposed as the museum, visit the website below.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Celebrating The Past, Present And Future Of Raahui Pookeka
Having undergone a long journey from relocation to restoration, a new chapter for Raahui Pookeka | Huntly railway station was marked last week with the blessing and unveiling of a Pou. Pou are carved wooden posts that symbolise guardianship and, here, tell the story of how Raahui Pookeka was given its name. Community members, mana whenua, Waikato District Council staff, Deputy Mayor Carolyn Eyre, and members of the Huntly Railway Committee gathered last Wednesday for the special ceremony at the historic station, which is being restored as a community museum. Crafted by respected Rangatira and Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga art teacher Patrick Takoko, and blessed by Harley Raihe, Pou Tikanga Maaori Partnerships at Waikato District Council, the Pou stands as a powerful symbol which commemorates the past and inspires future generations. 'The tomokanga, or entranceway, of the Pou represents the story of how Raahui Pookeka got its name and speaks of the tuna (eel),' says Harley. 'Historically, tuna were overfished in the local river, and in response, the chief placed a raahui, or ban, on tuna fishing to protect and replenish this important food source.' According to the koorero shared at the event, the chief marked the raahui by creating a Pou and wrapping it in strands of harakeke from his pookeka, a rain cloak made of flax. As time went on and the tuna replenished, the chief drove the Pou into the ground, symbolising the end of the raahui and giving rise to the name Raahui Pookeka. The new Pou unveiled at the station tells this story through its detailed carvings, with the left side of the tomokanga depicting the time when tuna were scarce, while the right side shows the abundance of tuna that returned after the raahui. On each side of the Pou are two stainless steel panels, free from Maaori patterns, symbolising the wider community and the importance of working together. Hori Awa, CEO of Waahi Whaanui Trust and mana whenua representative, supported the blessing by sharing heartfelt memories of his father's long service at the railway station, bringing a personal touch to the event. Deputy Mayor Carolyn Eyre says the unveiling is another meaningful milestone in the transformation of the Raahui Pookeka station into a local museum. 'This Pou tells a powerful story and anchors the station as an integral part of the community. 'It's been a long journey, but we can't wait to see the new museum open later this year, paying further homage to the past, present and future of Raahui Pookeka.' Community members and tourists alike will be able to visit the brand-new museum when it opens later this year to learn about the cultural and historical significance of Raahui Pookeka. To read more about the journey of the railway station and the original 1939 heritage building that has been repurposed as the museum, visit the website below.
Scoop
22-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Hamilton Gardens Shines With Top Tourism Honour
Press Release – Hamilton City Council Hamilton Gardens has retained the prestigious Qualmark Gold Award, first received in 2011, following an independent assessment of the attraction from social, economic, environmental, and health and safety perspectives. Celebrating another year of excellence, Hamilton Gardens has once again been awarded the Qualmark Gold Award, solidifying its status as a premier New Zealand tourism destination. Hamilton Gardens has retained the prestigious Qualmark Gold Award, first received in 2011, following an independent assessment of the attraction from social, economic, environmental, and health and safety perspectives. Lucy Ryan, Hamilton Gardens Director, attributed the achievement to the dedication and hard work of the staff. 'Our team is dedicated to ensuring everyone who visits Hamilton Gardens has a special experience. We take pride in offering something truly unique for everyone to enjoy.' The Gold Sustainable Tourism Award identifies businesses that lead the way in making New Zealand's tourism industry a world-class, sustainable visitor destination. This accolade not only highlights the Gardens' excellence but also enhances its profile through Tourism New Zealand's channels. The Qualmark assessment praised Hamilton Gardens for its approach to inclusivity, and long-term guardianship. Highlights include the authentic incorporation of the site's Maaori history in the design of the new fern court and working with local suppliers to make bespoke products for the Hamilton Gardens shop. 'This is the first time we've been evaluated since introducing paid entry to the Enclosed Gardens. Being recognised at the highest level again, along with the fantastic feedback from our visitors, shows we're doing things right,' said Ryan. 'As Hamilton Gardens keeps growing, we're all about keeping things top quality, staying sustainable, and being a truly world-class destination'.
Scoop
22-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Hamilton Gardens Shines With Top Tourism Honour
Celebrating another year of excellence, Hamilton Gardens has once again been awarded the Qualmark Gold Award, solidifying its status as a premier New Zealand tourism destination. Hamilton Gardens has retained the prestigious Qualmark Gold Award, first received in 2011, following an independent assessment of the attraction from social, economic, environmental, and health and safety perspectives. Lucy Ryan, Hamilton Gardens Director, attributed the achievement to the dedication and hard work of the staff. "Our team is dedicated to ensuring everyone who visits Hamilton Gardens has a special experience. We take pride in offering something truly unique for everyone to enjoy." The Gold Sustainable Tourism Award identifies businesses that lead the way in making New Zealand's tourism industry a world-class, sustainable visitor destination. This accolade not only highlights the Gardens' excellence but also enhances its profile through Tourism New Zealand's channels. The Qualmark assessment praised Hamilton Gardens for its approach to inclusivity, and long-term guardianship. Highlights include the authentic incorporation of the site's Maaori history in the design of the new fern court and working with local suppliers to make bespoke products for the Hamilton Gardens shop. "This is the first time we've been evaluated since introducing paid entry to the Enclosed Gardens. Being recognised at the highest level again, along with the fantastic feedback from our visitors, shows we're doing things right," said Ryan. "As Hamilton Gardens keeps growing, we're all about keeping things top quality, staying sustainable, and being a truly world-class destination".
