Streamview Way Park gets new name to honour Māori heritage

A park previously referred to as the park at 1 Streamview Way has been named Awaruaika, as part of its ongoing development into a youth focused park.

The name change for the Long Bay park aims to recognise its historical background as a food gathering site for mana whenua in Auckland’s Hibiscus and Bays area.

The name Awaruaika, gifted by local iwi, refers to the stream running through the park that reflects its past as a wetland rich in fish.

The renaming of Streamview Way is a part of Auckland Council’s Te Kete Rukuruku programme aiming to create spaces for young people in the community.

Strategic Initiatives Manager, Anahera Higgins says the name change plays a vital role in reconnecting communities with the cultural history of their surroundings.

“Awaruaika reflects the deep historical connection mana whenua have to this area, particularly as a valued mahinga kai.”

She says the council is working in partnership with iwi and local boards to restore these original place names, so that more people can understand the history of the places they live in and visit.

Awaruaika is one of 22 sites in the Hibiscus and Bays area that has been identified for name changing.

According to Auckland Council, Streamview Way has been prioritised due to its ongoing development into a youth park and its ongoing lack of not having a name.

Interpretation signage is being installed at the site in both English and Te Reo Māori, with further information about the name also available online through Auckland Council resources.

Auckland Council says responses have generally been supportive, with many residents expressing interest in learning more about their local area’s history and the park’s new role for youth.

“Where concerns arise, they typically relate to established English names and the cost of signage.”

The council also says that signage is installed or replaced as part of planned work to minimise additional costs.

Awaruaika marks the second round of Māori place names introduced in the Hibiscus and Bays area, following the naming of 21 sites in 2022.

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