Greymouth’s new Richmond Quay development has been gifted a name that reflects the building’s connection to its riverside site.
The name – He Kupenga Mātauranga – has been gifted by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Waewae, who this morning blessed the top-storey library and ground-floor retail space.
The name applies to the entire building, while the library itself will be known as the Greymouth Library.
“The name – He Kupenga Mātauranga – acknowledges the very existence of a town, from the mountains to the sea and beyond,” Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Waewae chairman Francois Tumahai said.
“A fishing community steeped in traditions old and new, sustaining families and generations past and present. Connecting our Pounamu Trails, walked and fought for during the earliest of times, to the great goldrush and mining communities of today.”
Mr Tumahai said it was a place where “our narratives are safely kept for our children and grandchildren to follow. Where Tūterakiwhānoa, our Atua and his deed in the making of the very Awa – Māwhera will be spoken of for eternity. A place of hope, a sense of belonging, a place of safe return”.
“Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei. For us all, and for the future generations to follow.”
Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson said the meaningful name highlighted not just knowledge, but also the building’s location beside the Grey River, where food was historically gathered.
“It is a name that captures the historic significance of the area and connects the facility with the river.”
Development West Coast Chair Sam MacDonald said they were proud to have invested in this project and that the gifting from Ngāti Waewae was an exciting next step as we get closer to having the doors open so that everyone could enjoy the building.
The exterior library wayfinding signage will be in English, while the name He Kupenga Mātauranga features on the front and back of the building.
To celebrate the name, Blaketown School children designed a library card, with Sahara Robertson’s design chosen by a panel of judges. It will be printed later this year.
The library building and technology are currently being commissioned. The pharmacy will open on June 22, and from June 29 school groups will visit the Greymouth Library ahead of its public opening on July 3. An official ceremonial opening will be held on July 6.
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For more information contact gdc_communications@greydc.govt.nz
