First published on 11 August 2022 on Newsline

Lynne Te Aika from Matapopore, says the gifted name was chosen because it reflects the unique natural features of Christchurch’s south-west – the area the new facility will serve.

“Much of Christchurch gets its fresh drinking water from the underground aquifers that discharge through the Ōpāwaho-Heathcote and Ōtākaro-Avon Rivers in the Hornby area. Matatiki means spring of water and represents the importance of water as a source of life and wellbeing.

“Traditionally, the river waters were central to the way of life for mana whenua and an area of mahinga kai – an interconnected system which produces food and sustains life,” says Ms Te Aika.

Matapopore developed the cultural narrative and facilitated the gifting of the name from Ngāi Tūāhuriri to the Council.

Next week, the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board will be formally asked to accept the name on behalf of the Council. If it agrees, the 4000 square metre community facility will be officially known as Matatiki: Hornby Centre.

This follows the naming convention of other Council facilities like Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool and Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre.

Read the report for the Community Board.

Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events Nigel Cox says the name that is being gifted is fitting for the new facility as it will be a source of wellbeing for the people of Ōtautahi-Christchurch.

“We are building this new facility to serve the growing population in the city’s south-west. It is going to be a place for people to come together to exercise, to learn and to play and to connect with others,’’ Mr Cox says.

Construction of the new centre began in November 2021 and is expected to be completed in late 2023. It will incorporate a library, customer service area and aquatic facilities including a multi-purpose lane pool, family spa pool, hydrotherapy pool, and toddlers’ wet play area.

It will also have an espresso bar, a creative activities room, and multi-purpose rooms for meeting and quiet study. 

The design of the new facility and the landscaping will incorporate ideas encapsulated in the cultural narrative developed by Matapopore.

Find out more about the new centre.