Waihī Beach’s new library and community hub has been named Te Ara Mātauranga, recognising its role as a place of learning and connection.

The name, “the pathway to knowledge”, was gifted by Te Whānau a Tauwhao hapū and approved by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

The facility, set to open in July, will serve as both a library and a community hub.

Ōtāwhiwhi Marae representative Reon Tuanau said the name encapsulated the library’s purpose and reflected the values of the Māori community.

“It was a real privilege for us to be able to gift this name to the library. Te Ara Mātauranga really encapsulates what a library represents for us — it’s the pathway to knowledge,” Tuanau said.

The project had been a labour of love for the community, bringing people together with unity, relationships, care and love.

“Our process of how we come up with these namings, we talk with our kaumātua, we talk with our hapū, we spread the word around our Māori community.”

Te Whānau a Tauwhao has also gifted design elements, including a kōwhaiwhai depicting the mangōpare (hammerhead shark), which symbolises perseverance and resilience. A large weaving highlighting the importance of Tangaroa, the Māori god of the sea, is also being created for the reception desk.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council Deputy Chief Executive Rachael Davie said the name and artwork reflected shared values and created a welcoming space.

“This name perfectly reflects the core values of this project — a space where learning, connection, and community come together,” Davie said.