Netball Waitākere corrects and updates its name and logo signaling a renewed dedication to embracing cultural identity.

Waitākere, New Zealand - May 10, 2024 - Netball Waitākere a prominent organisation within the vibrant netball community of Waitākere, is proud to announce a significant update to its identity. The organisation will now be known as Netball Waitākere - Poitarawhiti Waitākere. 

The decision to update the name and logo stems from a commitment to accuracy and cultural respect. The alteration involves correcting the spelling of "Waitakere" to the correct form "Waitākere,".   The addition of a tohutō/macron over the second “a” indicates elongation of this vowel.  The tohutō will ensure correct pronunciation. 

By adding "Poitarawhiti Waitākere," to its name this change aligns to other sporting organisations - Netball New Zealand - Poitarawhiti Aotearoa and Sport New Zealand- Ihi Aotearoa.  For Netball Waitākere, this addition acknowledges its commitment to honoring and respecting te reo Māori and tikanga of Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa, and te reo Māori as an official language of this country.

In conjunction with the name change, Netball Waitākere has unveiled a refreshed logo that includes these updates and embraces its cultural heritage. The refreshed logo reflects the organization's ongoing evolution and commitment to inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. 

"We are excited to embark on this new chapter as Netball Waitākere-Poitarawhiti Waitākere" This update not only reflects our dedication to accuracy and cultural respect but also reinforces our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment within our netball community. When presenting the constitution remit to our membership at our recent AGM, there was overwhelming support from our members in favor, the confirmation of remit was followed by a rousing applause and cheers." - Murray Gardiner, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngati Ranginui, Tuhoe. General Manager, Netball Waitākere. "

"NW's stance recognizes the significance of te reo within our community and nationwide, emphasizing the importance by appropriately adding the tohutō, to correctly pronounce "Waitākere". By incorporating Poitarawhiti Waitākere, the Centre is setting an example by advocating for bilingual signage for other Netball Centres nationwide. Poitarawhiti Waitākere supports te reo revitalisation and normalisation by hosting, Puni Reo Poitarawhiti - the first Māori language-only netball tournament of its kind. It is open to all schools with over 40 Kura kaupapa and Kura auraki from throughout Tāmaki Makaurau attending". -  Maria Marama, Ngati Whakaue, Tuhouragi – Member & Past President, Netball Waitākere.

“I am proud to be a part of a centre and community that embraces inclusiveness. Exciting to see our centre moving forward with the times.” – Rachael Temu, President, Netball Waitākere. 

The unveiling of the new name and logo marks a significant milestone in Netball Waitākere's journey, signaling a renewed dedication to embracing cultural identity while continuing to promote our values of Whakapono, Manaakitanga, Kotahitanga, Whānaungatanga & Whaikaha.

Article added: Thursday 23 May 2024