Panuku adopts gifted name

Panuku Development Auckland is adopting its mana whenua gifted name of Eke Panuku.

The name was given to the organisation by Tame Te Rangi, a representative of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua, in 2015. But at the time, the Development Auckland board chose the name Panuku Development Auckland, omitting the Eke from Eke Panuku.

Eke Panuku is derived from the whakataukī (proverb) Eke Panuku, Eke Tangaroa!, which acknowledges the unseen energies of the land and sea. In te ao Māori, Māori mihi to Tangaroa (Atua of the sea) to inspire success, excellence, and progress. Eke Panuku’s role is to support mana whenua as the kaitiaki [guardians] of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Tāmaki Makaurau.

The definition of eke (verb) means to get on, embark, board, mount, climb, ascend, rise, reach, and attain. The definition of panuku (noun) is a vehicle. Conjoined, eke panuku means the movement of a waka or forward momentum.

Mana whenua believe it is essential that the words eke panuku remain together because Panuku (without Eke) does not imply the forward movement.

Paul Majurey.

Panuku board chair Paul Majurey says “Eke Panuku values its relationship with mana whenua and the taonga to te reo Māori.. It was unanimously agreed to make this important change.”

Over the next few months, the word Eke will be added to the current Panuku logo and this will be rolled out in a staggered brand update from 1 July 2021.

This approach has been taken in order to minimise any costs of updating physical signage and other collateral.