Waihī Beach Library Given Te Reo Name by Local Hapū

The new Waihī Beach library and community hub has been gifted the name Te Ara Mātauranga – The Pathway to Knowledge – by Te Whānau a Tauwhao hapū, in recognition of its role as a place of learning, connection and shared knowledge. The full name, Te Ara Mātauranga-Waihī Beach Library and Community Hub, has been approved by Western Bay of Plenty District Council. The building is scheduled to open in July.

Reon Tuanau of Ōtāwhiwhi Marae said the naming process involved kōrero with kaumātua, hapū members, and the wider Māori community before a decision was reached. "Te Ara Mātauranga really encapsulates what a library represents for us – it's the pathway to knowledge," he said, adding that the project had been a labour of love that brought the community together in kotahitanga.

Te Whānau a Tauwhao also gifted design elements linking the building to Ōtāwhiwhi Marae and the coastal environment of Waihī Beach. These include a kōwhaiwhai depicting the mangōpare (hammerhead shark), symbolising perseverance, resilience, and never giving up. A large weaving about Tangaroa, the Māori atua of the sea, is also being created for the reception desk.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council deputy chief executive Rachael Davie said the name and artwork tell a local story reflecting shared values and a welcoming spirit. "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," she said. "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."

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).