Five new names for internal roads at Patrick Hogan Retirement Village have been gifted by mana whenua in Cambridge to Ryman Healthcare.
Four of the names represent local native trees or plants and the fifth name symbolises the ongoing relationship between Ryman Healthcare and Mana Whenua, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā.
The gifted names, which have now all been approved at a public Waipā District Council meeting, are Mahi Tahi Road, Mamaku Lane, Puriri Lane, Kiekie Lane and Pukatea Way.
Trustee for the Ngāti Koroki Kahukura Trust, Beth Tauroa, said mahi tahi means to work together.
“This name represents the approach taken by Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngāti Hauā and Ryman to build a good foundation for an enduring and meaningful relationship that supports good outcomes in the community.”
The other names took inspiration from local flora.
Mamaku is a large black tree fern and Pukatea is an evergreen tree, both common in the area surrounding the village and similarly in gully areas throughout Cambridge. Puriri is less common while Kiekie thrives in areas of existing or established bush, she said.
“Mana whenua have cultural and spiritual connections to rākau.
“The names resonated with Mana Whenua while on a site visit to the retirement village in September.
“All of the rākau have their own mana and mauri,” Beth said.
Ryman Healthcare’s general manager – Development NZ, Matthew Brown, said Ryman appreciated the significance of the names.
“We love the names and we are grateful to both Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā for gifting them to us,” he said.
“We think the names are a perfect way to represent some of our beautiful native plant-life as well as a long-lasting expression of our organisations’ shared purpose.”
The village, located five minutes from Cambridge township, was named after Sir Patrick Hogan in August.
More names are set to be revealed for the three units in the care centre following the completion of the village centre.
