Latest news with #Maaori
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Iconic Hamilton Bridges Win Global Award
Press Release – Hamilton City Council The four-lane Te Ara Pekapeka Bridge, surrounding transport network, and the three waters infrastructure are all essential components ensuring the successful development of this area. Two Hamilton bridges have outshone competition from across the globe to win the prestigious Eugene C. Figg Jr. Medal at the International Bridge Conference Awards in Pittsburgh today (16 July NZST). The bridges, Te Ara Pekapeka and Taurapa, are not just impressive feats of engineering but vital infrastructure that connect the city, across the Waikato River, to the new growth area of Peacocke. The new neighbourhood will eventually be home to up to 20,000 Hamiltonians. Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate said this was justifiably a proud moment for Hamiltonians. 'We didn't build it to win an award, we built it to meet requirements to unlock land for growth and we worked side-by-side with Government to fund it and deliver it on time. 'This award recognises our approach. We involved the community, councillors, mana whenua, and government. This award isn't about steel or concrete, it's about people, it's about attitude and it's about a desire to deliver fantastic value.' The four-lane Te Ara Pekapeka Bridge, surrounding transport network, and the three waters infrastructure are all essential components ensuring the successful development of this area. 'The award is a bonus and should be celebrated.' Mayor Southgate said. Southern Links Tangata Whenua Working Group representative Marina Hape said the mahitahi (collaboration) with mana whenua had built an enduring relationship between Waikato-Tainui, hapuu and Council, far beyond the completion of the project. 'Mana whenua was on the journey right from the very early planning and had input into every area of the project. Our partnership is evident through design, but also in how the Maaori world view has delivered on our aspirations for Maaori, the environment and our wider community.' The annual International Bridge Conference awards medals to recognise individuals and projects of distinction. The last time a New Zealand bridge was recognised at the Conference was the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge in New Plymouth in 2011. This is the second time Te Ara Pekapeka Bridge has been recognised on an international stage in recent months, receiving a Special Mention at the Architizer A+ Awards in May. The project also took home national wins at the New Zealand Planning Institute Annual Awards and Apopo Asset Management Excellence Awards for leadership in the respective fields.
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Iconic Hamilton Bridges Win Global Award
Two Hamilton bridges have outshone competition from across the globe to win the prestigious Eugene C. Figg Jr. Medal at the International Bridge Conference Awards in Pittsburgh today (16 July NZST). The bridges, Te Ara Pekapeka and Taurapa, are not just impressive feats of engineering but vital infrastructure that connect the city, across the Waikato River, to the new growth area of Peacocke. The new neighbourhood will eventually be home to up to 20,000 Hamiltonians. Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate said this was justifiably a proud moment for Hamiltonians. "We didn't build it to win an award, we built it to meet requirements to unlock land for growth and we worked side-by-side with Government to fund it and deliver it on time. 'This award recognises our approach. We involved the community, councillors, mana whenua, and government. This award isn't about steel or concrete, it's about people, it's about attitude and it's about a desire to deliver fantastic value.' The four-lane Te Ara Pekapeka Bridge, surrounding transport network, and the three waters infrastructure are all essential components ensuring the successful development of this area. "The award is a bonus and should be celebrated." Mayor Southgate said. Southern Links Tangata Whenua Working Group representative Marina Hape said the mahitahi (collaboration) with mana whenua had built an enduring relationship between Waikato-Tainui, hapuu and Council, far beyond the completion of the project. 'Mana whenua was on the journey right from the very early planning and had input into every area of the project. Our partnership is evident through design, but also in how the Maaori world view has delivered on our aspirations for Maaori, the environment and our wider community.' The annual International Bridge Conference awards medals to recognise individuals and projects of distinction. The last time a New Zealand bridge was recognised at the Conference was the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge in New Plymouth in 2011. This is the second time Te Ara Pekapeka Bridge has been recognised on an international stage in recent months, receiving a Special Mention at the Architizer A+ Awards in May. The project also took home national wins at the New Zealand Planning Institute Annual Awards and Apopo Asset Management Excellence Awards for leadership in the respective fields. Peacocke is being built with the support from the Government's Housing Infrastructure Fund, made up of a $180.3 million 10-year interest-free loan and $110.1 million of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi subsidies.
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.
