Macron move applauded
Rānui St will have the correct pronunciation added shortly, which has pleased Philip Sim with the road “given its true identity”. Photo: William Woodworth.
Streets around Waikawa are being returned to their gifted names, with a correction to street signs to include correct macrons approved.
Council submitter Philip Sim’s whānau gifted the name over 50 years ago while being the only residents of a dirt track which included part of now Rānui, Huia Streets, The Anchorage and part of The Snout.
With the recent corrections, Philip says he is “really pleased and excited the updated signage for Rānui is being put right” as Rānui Street also holds the property where a protected, historical Kānuka tree of significant importance to Philip’s family still stands today. “Getting the notification from the council just before Easter was a huge honour.
“I would like to thank my whānau for this challenge to lead this kaupapa which now will give more mana to the area, the Marlborough District Council, my iwi Te Ātiawa o te Waka-a-Māui, and other iwi leaders, Waikawa Marae, whānau, and friends in the community.
“My tūpuna Awanuiārangi, Hēni Kēpa, Puhi Wahine, Oriana and Awenui, gave me guidance as all were very committed with mahi within their iwi and community which gave me the tohu to continue protecting the history for the naming of this street and stories of many whānau.
“Waikawa Marae has a beautiful kōrero about Māui and the Atua, Tama-nui-te-rā, so with this updated corrected signage, future manuhiri going to the marae will go past the signage that will uplift that experience on the marae.
“This gives the street its true identity with significance for my whānau and my iwi”.