Our coastal walkway is going to fully open as a loop walk next month – stand by for news from HLC about the opening day.

But first things first:  When public amenities get named, it has to be done properly.  HLC has asked the Society for support for the formal naming submission to the Upper Harbour Local Board.  The committee said yes.

The name, chosen in consultation with two local iwi, is Te Ara Manawa – with the subtext: Hobsonville/Onekiritea Coastal Walkway.

Advice from Ngati Whatua o Kaipara says the name means the pathway amongst the mangroves. But it is also a play on words as ‘manawa’ also refers in poetic terms to the heart or seat of human emotions. A traditional artistic term ‘te rarangi manawa’ relates to the central or heart line of kowhaiwhai rafter patterns. Te Ara Manawa therefore describes the physical lineal pathway that wends its way around the whole Hobsonville site.

It also describes heartfelt aspirations to advocate for the natural environment, species and habitats in ways that honour cultures, welcome people and encourage a sense of place and community.

Te Kawareu a Maki’s narrative tells us that Te Onekiritea is the old name for Hobsonville Point and the kainga once located here. It refers to the area’s white clays, once used for pigments and other traditional uses.