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Download AudioIn a move worthy of their notable ancestors, Ngāti Toa Rangatira blindsided Waka Kotahi with yesterday’s naming of a new motorway linking Wellington with the Kapiti Coast.
Kaumatua Taku Parai says the iwi was unhappy with the name Transmission Gully carried by the project, and wanted to acknowledge their tupuna who used the valley to connect with their coast in their battles to stop the colonial government grabbing their land.
It was scheduled to be called Te Tūara or the backbone of Te Rangihaeata, but after a huddle with former chair and lead negotiator Tā Matiu Rei before yesterday’s ribbon cutting, they switched to Te Ara Nui o Te Rangihaeata.
“We gave that name to the Prime Minister to announce and she did it well and all the other dignitaries there, even Waka Kotahi were startled but she did announce that name and we were quite chuffed about it,” Mr Parai says
Pou will be erected along the highway recognising significant historic sites.
Story by Peter Verschaffelt
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