Te Ara Mātauranga – The Pathway to Knowledge.
This is the name gifted by Te Whānau a Tauwhao hapū to Waihī Beach’s new library and community hub, acknowledging its importance as a place of learning, connection, and shared knowledge.
“It was a real privilege for us to be able to gift this name to the library. Te Ara Mātauranga really encapsulates what a library represents for us – it’s the pathway to knowledge,” says Reon Tuanau, of Ōtāwhiwhi Marae.
“In the last three years we’ve really worked hard together as a community to bring us closer in kotahitanga (unity), with whanangatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (caring for each other), and of course with heaps of aroha (love).
“This library has been a labour of love for our community. It’s been a project that has brought our community together, where all parts of the community have contributed and taken part in the outcome.”
The full name -Te Ara Mātauranga - Waihī Beach Library and Community Hub – has been approved by Western Bay of Plenty District Council and gives a unique community identity to the building, which is scheduled to open in July.
“Our process of how we come up with these namings, we talk with our kaumātua, we talk with our hapū, we spread the word around our Māori community,” explains Reon.
“And after we have all this kōrero, we make a decision, and ‘kua toka kōrero’ as they say, ‘it’s put in stone’.”
Te Whānau a Tauwhao has also gifted design elements that connect the building to Ōtāwhiwhi marae and the coastal nature of Waihī Beach, including a kōwhaiwhai depicting the mangōpare (hammerhead shark).
“When you capture a hammerhead shark, if you put it back in water 24 hours later, it’ll swim away and carry on living. So, it talks about perseverance, resilience and never giving up,” explains Reon.
“We wanted this library to really encapsulate the importance of the environment, and the importance of who we are here as Waihī Beach people. We think that’s quite fitting, being people of the beach, people of the moana (ocean).”
A large weaving about the importance of Tangaroa (Māori god of the sea) is also in the process of being created for the reception desk.
“There are so many messages that are being woven throughout this art piece. That’s been another awesome outcome of this project, the weaving of the people, the weaving of our community together. All the strands coming together, in a nice tight-knit community.”
Rachael Davie, Council’s Deputy CEO and General Manager Strategy and Community, says the name and artwork gifted by Te Whānau a Tauwhao tell a local story that represents shared values, and is welcoming to all.
“We are incredibly grateful to Te Whānau a Tauwhao for gifting the name Te Ara Mātauranga. This name perfectly reflects the core values of this project – a space where learning, connection, and community come together. It’s more than just a name; it’s a symbol of the journey we’re on as a community, one that is focused on growth, knowledge, and resilience,” says Rachael.
“This new facility is about creating a space that truly meets the needs of our community today, while also setting the stage for the future. It will be much more than a library – it will be a dynamic community hub that offers access to essential services, a place for people to gather, and a space where everyone can feel welcome, supported, and empowered.
“We are excited to see this vision come to life and look forward to the positive impact it will have for generations to come.”
For more information about Te Ara Mātauranga – Waihī Beach Library and Community Hub and to listen to Reon explain the meaning behind the name in full, go to yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/waihi-beach-library
