A naming ceremony was held this morning for one of the events rooms at Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga.

At dawn today, we held a special naming ceremony for one of our events rooms at Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga where our whānau come together to kōrero, share, and connect. This room is now known as Te Haukumenga.  

Piripi (Philip) Bradshaw Winiata who was at the helm of our Te Tautiaki team gifted the name to us. Our heartfelt appreciation to the tohunga that led the karakia this morning Kahu Ropata – Ruānuku o Ngāti Toa Rangatira.   

The meaning behind the name:

Ao ake Kāinga ki te ao mārama – To usher homes into the world of light 

Te Haukumenga derives from the story of Māui and the battle that ensued while hauling up Te Ika a Māui (North Island) as he stood upon Te Waka a Māui (South Island). The battle was so intense that his brothers, in fear, urged Māui to cut the line. The determined Māui refused.  

Te Haukumenga urges us to be focused and give the same energy towards achieving our Kaupapa and supporting thriving communities where everyone has a place to call home.