46 | COMMUNITY Apollo Projects: Wai O Rua Stratford Aquatic Centre Collaboration key to aquatic centre Karen Phelps A collaborative effort from everyone involved, particularly local mana whenua, was instrumental in the successful delivery of Stratford’s new aquatic centre, Wai O Rua. Above, the pool site blessing was held in February in last year. to page 49 Wai O Rua Stratford Aquatic Centre has been made possible thanks to a collaborative effort from everyone involved, particularly local mana whenua, says chief executive Stratford District Council Sven Hanne. “Mana whenua had a really strong involvement around design elements as well as naming of the centre. Council has been on a journey with Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine, and Ngāti Maru creating an environment for genuine involvement and relationship,” he says. He says Council worked with mana whenua actively on design elements to ensure the centre was telling a local story with local design elements. This included asking for expression of interest from local maori artists to work as part of the team. Another major area of involvement was the facility name gifted by mana whenua. Director Community Services, Kate Whareaitu says that when developing the name mana whenua drew inspiration from two local tupuna (ancestors), acknowledging Ruaputuhanga and Rua Taranaki (Taranaki Maunga), along with elements from the environment including the local awa (rivers). “Wai o Rua directly translates to ‘Water of Rua’, referring to the two tupuna, however along with telling a local story, it also celebrates the energetic nature of the new facility, a welcoming space that will cater to all members of our community,” says Kate. Sven says the name has a multiplicity of meanings and connections. Wavelength Water Limited is proudly 100% New Zealand owned and operated. Our highly specialised team is your single source to provide water treatment expertise through scoping, design, equipment supply, installation, commissioning, training and service. Wavelength – The Clear Choice for Water Treatment. • Scoping & Design • Equipment Distribution & Supply • Installation & Commissioning • Training & Service 2/36 Zelanian Drive, East Tamaki, Auckland (09) 274 1646 info@wavelengthwater.co.nz TARANAKI WIDE Ph. 06 757 8012 137 | Molesworth Street, New Plymouth Ph. 06 278 0129 97 | Camberwell Street, Hawera admin.hawera@graypainters.co.nz www.thepainters.co.nz New Home Specialists | Residential | Commercial | Industrial Expert Paper Hangers | Spray Painters | Water Proofing Water Blasting | Sand Blasting | Muralflex Cowshed Coatings COMMUNICATIONS Proud to support Apollo Projects & the Stratford Aquatic Centre Proudly part of the Aotea Group
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