Māori Ancestral Names Restored to Five Auckland Regional Parks

On Monday, 29 June 2026, Auckland Council’s Community Committee reached a landmark decision to restore Māori names and ancestral narratives to five of the city’s regional parks. The move is part of Te Kete Rukuruku, a collaborative programme between the council and mana whenua designed to share indigenous history and protect cultural knowledge across Tāmaki Makaurau. The restoration introduces dual names at four locations: Long Bay is now Te Oneroa ō Kahu, Shakespear is Te Hāruhi, and Wenderholm is Maungatauhoro. Additionally, Ambury Regional Park has been provided with the name Te Ara i Tautahi, while Ōmana Regional Park will see its full name restored to Ō Manawatere Regional Park. Committee chair Councillor Julie Fairey stated that the adoption of these names is a vital step in acknowledging the past and celebrating Māori heritage. She noted that these changes help safeguard cultural knowledge and allow visitors to better understand the significance of the landscapes. Councillor Alf Filipaina, who chaired the committee that launched the initiative in 2021, expressed pride in the progress, describing the gifted names as a taonga to be shared by all. Contributing to the research and narratives, Robin Taua-Gordon, Pou Tangata from Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust, noted that while these names have always existed for Te Kawerau ā Maki, the partnership allows this ancestral knowledge to be shared with the wider community. Tumuaki Huanga Māori Nicholas Turoa added that the project ensures Aucklanders can see themselves reflected in their surroundings through the connection of whenua and whakapapa. Since 2017, the programme has seen over 580 local parks across 17 local boards receive Māori names, with discussions ongoing for further regional sites.