Iwi officially gifts name for Feilding's new residential suburb
Feilding’s ‘Precinct 4’ will now be known as ‘Maewa’ following a unanimous ratification by Manawatū District Council of the name proposed by Ngāti Kauwhata.
The decision marks a successful partnership between Ngāti Kauwhata, Manawatū District Council and land development company Classic Development, in honouring the whenua on which the new suburb will sit.
“It’s a beautiful name and I’m delighted to now be able to refer to Maewa, rather than the rather more technical ‘Precinct 4’ which is how the residential development project is listed in our Long-term Plan,” explains Manawatū District Council Mayor, Helen Worboys.
The name Maewa, which means 'to meander through', is a reference to the Mangakino stream which weaves its way through the area and holds significance for Ngāti Kauwhata. The stream starts its flow from a puna, or aquifer, and meanders through the new development.
Representatives from Ngāti Kauwhata attended the Council meeting last Thursday where they shared kōrero about the area’s history and significance for Māori. "We were honoured to have our iwi whānau join us at Council and to hear more about the meaning of Maewa," Mayor Helen added.
During the Council meeting, the Council also passed a resolution to formally request that New Zealand Land Registry records the name ‘Maewa’ on land records and maps, ensuring its place in history.
The Maewa suburb, located to the north of Feilding, was re-zoned as residential land in 2019 by Manawatū District Council.
(L-R) Anaru Himiona, George Davis, Will Dorset, Mayor Helen Worboys, Dennis Emery.
