As cities debate statues and street names, Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says Auckland should celebrate its policy of supporting te reo names for parks and public places.
“At a time when we are witnessing the Black Lives Matter movement and debate about statues and names, it’s fitting that we have a policy that supports the use of te reo.
“Our own home, Papakura, reflects that, and offering Māori names is a significant thing for iwi and certainly something we should all celebrate.”
Two new roads created by a subdivision have been given names offered by Ngai Tai ki Tamaki that reflect the military presence in the area before development.
The new roads are both extensions of existing roads, so that Kairākau Street and Tētēkura Street effectively become longer.
Kairākau Street means army of experienced warriors, reflecting the army camp in the area, and its Māori graduates. Tētēkura Street means a brave warrior, and or a chief or leader, a name that also pays tribute to the camp.
A third road, John Burns Road, is named after a decorated soldier from the Papakura Commando Squadron and was suggested by the New Zealand Defence Force.
