1982 days ago

Support for Wellington to be called Te Whanganui-a-Tara following Māori Party's language policy announcement

Reporter Community News

A Māori Party proposal to change the name of Wellington to Te Whanganui-a-Tara has the support of city leaders.

Kaumātua and Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa ki te Upoko o te Ika a Maui chairman Kura Moeahu said he strongly supported the move to return place names to the original ingoa Māori. It would helps everyone understand the local history, he said. "There is a narration that goes with each of these names.

Wellington City Councillor Jill Day (Ngāti Tūwharetoa), who holds the Māori Partnerships portfolio, welcomed the announcement.

Commuters spoken to in Wellington by Stuff also supported the idea. Craig Lambert thought Te Ūpoko o te Ika a Māui was a more inclusive alternative. ”It represents all people.”

“Many of our cities and towns were named after people who never came to Aotearoa, with no consideration of the names that were already in use,” Day said.

Fellow Councillor Tamatha Paul (Ngāti Awa and Waikato Tainui) said there were about 39 places called Wellington in the world.

A poll on Neighbourly with over 520 respondents was 81 per cent against a name change.

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More messages from your neighbours
33 minutes ago

Age Concern Wellington presents Emotional and Mental Wellbeing workshop

Steph Deegan from Age Concern Wellington Region

A collaboration between Age Concern Wellington Region and the Catholic Social Services.

To strengthen the emotional and mental wellbeing of adults who are adapting to experiences of change, loss and grief in their lives.
Small group programme.

Suggested donation: $15 to help cover materials. Spaces are limited.

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1 hour ago

Age Concern Staying Safe Refresher Course - 18 March 2025 at Summerset Aotea

Steph Deegan from Age Concern Wellington Region

Staying Safe is a classroom-based refresher workshop for senior road users. Age Concern runs these workshops in partnership with Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

The workshop aims to maintain and improve safe driving practices and increase the knowledge of other transport options available to help senior road users remain safely mobile.

The free interactive workshop runs for around 4 hours between 10am and 2pm. You do not need to be a resident to attend this course as it is run by Age Concern Wellington.

Morning tea and a light lunch provided. Spaces at each workshop are limited so please register using the website link below or call 04 4996646.

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6 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.5% Complete
  • 26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
    26.2% Complete
  • 14.3% ... It is complicated
    14.3% Complete
1143 votes