The facility under construction at QEII Park late last year.

Christchurch ratepayers have paid a Māori trust nearly $19,000 for cultural advice on the QEII Park recreation and sport centre, including a new name.

The new $38.6 million facility, opening at the park at the end of next month, has been named Taiora: QEII Recreation and Sport Centre.

The city council has confirmed it paid the Matapopore Charitable Trust – a Ngāi Tahu trust set up to provide Christchurch with cultural advice on the rebuild – $18,800 for its work on the centre.

DAVID WALKER/STUFF Taiora: QEII Recreation and Sport Centre in north-east Christchurch.

While paid for by ratepayers, the name is described by the council as being gifted by Ngāi Tūāhuriri, a North Canterbury Ngāi Tahu runanga.



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Council head of recreation, sports and events John Filsell​ said the cost was for the time and research done.

"As part of the normal project development process, we engage a number of people and organisations to inform the project going forward."

Filsell said the work ensured that "Mana Whenua values and narratives have been properly represented in the design of the facility, research into the history and values of the area, and input from a Ngāi Tahu artist as the look, feel and landscaping of the facility was developed".

The word tai means coastal waters or a collective gathering of people, and ora has meanings including wellbeing, health, nutrients, and energy source.

"It's obviously a very appropriate choice for this new facility, which is returning swimming and fitness amenities to east Christchurch," Filsell said.

"You can really feel the history with this facility – and the images and the metaphor suggested by the name carries those historical and environmental connections from the past through to the present."

Other dual Māori and English words for new council facilities include Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre, Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library and Community Centre, Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre and the new central library, Tūranga​.