Place names unveiled at library

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On Monday afternoon, Tākaka library staff and Manawhenua ki Mohua participated in a blessing of local place names, which were then unveiled.

Thirty-two ngā ingoa whenua tupuna ō Mohua, complete with translations and kowhaiwhai design, adorn the wall opposite the library entrance.

Reverend Harvey Ruru delivered karakia and Manawhenua ki Mohua (MKM) sang a waiata. Branch librarian Carolyn Roberts responded and welcomed everyone. She addressed the crowd on behalf of library assistant Sarah Warlock, who had instigated and seen the project through to completion.

Sarah thanked Te Ahu Rei, who undertook the first te reo translations, which explained the multiple meanings. An MKM working group then reviewed and refined te reo. The final document was presented to Sarah by Mairangi Reiher. Lauralee Duff, Margie Little, and Ursula Passl also offered advice, guidance, and encouragement.

Furthermore, Sarah acknowledged the late John WardHolmes, who told her four years ago, “It’s a bloody good idea – get on with it.”

When Sarah first started work at the library five years ago, some of the place names were displayed on laminated paper, stuck to the wall with Blu-Tack.

“I really wanted them to become a permanent feature in our library. And the names needed to be accurate and accessible. It’s important that the Golden Bay community can learn and understand the history and cultural history connected to where they live. When you see the physical description of a place name, it really gives you a tangible picture and understanding. We are caretakers of Mohua and anything that strengthens that connection is important.”

For Sarah, living in Puramāhoi [meaning “a good view”] resonates with how she sees her home. It also gives her a mental picture of when the local tangata whenua sat up on the hills of Puramāhoi and looked out over Golden Bay, as she does.

She expressed gratitude to all for the opportunity to see the project through and “for this very special gift to Tākaka library”.

Carolyn acknowledged Sarah’s endurance and commitment at seeing the task through to completion.

“The result we’ve got is wonderful and will be a feature of this library for years to come.”

Using a very long rod to flick the carefully placed sheets of paper off ngā ingoa whenua tupuna ō Mohua, Sarah unveiled the 32 place names, as those present read each aloud. A booklet accompanies the impressive display, giving further description of the meanings.