Kennelley Park has been gifted the dual name of Te ara-Poouri, marked with a special ceremony to recognise the significance of the name.
Attended by members of the Franklin Local Board, local iwi and students from Pukekohe North School. The name, Te ara-Poouri, was gifted by Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, Ngāti Tamaoho, and Te Akitai Waiohua, three iwi with ancestral ties to the area.
Auckland Council is committed for te reo Māori to be seen, heard, spoken and learnt in our public places. This is facilitated by the Māori naming and storytelling programme, Te Kete Rukuruku.
Franklin Local Board chair Angela Fulljames is delighted with the new name - Te Ara Poouri.
“We are honoured to have such a special name to recogonise the important history of the land and stream that runs through the park.
“I’d like to acknowledge the important work of Te Kete Rukuruku who continue to increase the use of te reo Māori in our communities, and students from Pukekohe North School who sang beautiful waiata to mark the occasion.”
The story of Te ara-Poouri
Te Ara-poouri can be translated as 'the way or course of Whangapoouri'. This name recognises the significance of the Whangapoouri Stream. It runs through Kennelly Park, flows north-east to Paeraataa and then to Karaka before joining Awa Paheke (Drury Creek) near Blackbridge Road. It has a total catchment area of 49km.
Whangapoouri can be translated as 'the dark-coloured bight or concave bend'. This acknowledges the meandering bends of the stream and its dark-coloured tone. The awa (stream) was so wide at its mouth that it was referred to by our people as a ‘whanga’, meaning estuary or bay.
The Whangapoouri Stream is a significant taonga (treasure) to Waiohua iwi. It used to be a much wider body of water than it is today. The mauri (life force) of the stream is essential to the health and wellbeing of Waiohua iwi who are its kaitiaki (custodians). We have an inherited responsibility to ensure its vitality and essence is healthy and thriving.
The waters and fish species nourished and sustained Waiohua iwi both spiritually and physically for centuries. The stream was once abundant with tuna (eels), piharau (lamprey), koura (freshwater crayfish) and various whitebait species such as the banded kookopu and kooaro.
It also served as an important cultural and ecological corridor. The native vegetation growing on its banks supported a diverse range of birds and insects. The plants along the stream were valuable resources for our Waiohua ancestors. They harvested harakeke, raupoo, tii kouka, aruhe, puuriri, karaka, hiinau, tawa, tiitoki and other native plants along its stretches and wetlands. These plants were used for various purposes such as building, clothing, ropes, mats, fishing, dyeing, and medicine.
“Franklin Local Board will continue to support environmental initiatives across Franklin and work closely alongside local iwi and community groups to improve our waterways,” says Fulljames.
As the community moves forward with this new name, Te ara-Poouri will stand as a reminder of the connection between the land, the people, and the stories that shape our communities.
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