The Maclaggan St building, owned by Port Otago and leased by the ORC, is to be called Aonui — a prestigious name that encapsulates Kāi Tahu identity throughout time.
Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou ūpoko Edward Ellison said the name had "great mana and significance" in both te ao Māori and in Kāi Tahu tradition, and had the endorsement of mana whenua from across the region.
"Given ORC’s important role in achieving the sustainable use and management of our environment, and their commitment to partnering with mana whenua, we are delighted to share such a prestigious name for their building."
Mr Ellison said Aonui related to the pursuit of knowledge in the natural world, and it was the son of Rehua in the celestial world — also known as Antares in Western astronomy.
The waka Āraiteuru, which is synonymous with the Otago coast, had a crew member named Aonui, who sought fresh water and found it at Mata au (Clutha River), and is remembered by the tall basaltic pillar named Aonui (Cooks Head) just north of the Tokomairaro River on the Āraiteuru coastline.
The name and panel designs were provided by mana whenua cultural experts Dr Megan Pōtiki, Paulette Tamati-Elliffe and Mr Ellison.
The pūhoro patterns on the panels were created by Kāi Tahu artist Ephraim Russell, under the guidance of Aukaha’s Mana Ahurea design team, and depict the rivers and streams that run through Dunedin — in particular, the awa Toitū that flows down MacLaggan St.
Kāi Tahu shares a deep, cultural connection to fresh water, recognising its vital role in traditions, practices and its symbiotic relationship with the land. Fresh water holds importance as a taoka (precious resource), influencing traditional practices of mahika kai, and fostering a sense of respect, reciprocity and kaitiakitaka (stewardship).
Otago Regional Council chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said Aonui reflected the council’s dedication to mana whenua and to the environment.
"We are delighted that mana whenua have endorsed this prestigious name that is solidified in the Otago landscape and pulls together all aspects of the environment, from freshwater to salt water and to air.
"It really highlights the importance council places on our relationship with mana whenua and our joint environmental priorities and aspirations."
Other councillors’ opinions were mixed.
Cr Gary Kelliher denounced the whole $54.5million building as a "burden" on ratepayers.
"This building continues to be a huge blight on the ratepayers and a huge cost to everyone except iwi, who get paid for their involvement and now get a mythical name that doesn't really resonate with the wider Otago community."
Cr Tim Mepham described Cr Kelliher’s comment as "a redneck rant".
"Accepting the name Aonui, given by Ngai Tahu for the new building, reflects not only the maturing of relationship between Ngai Tahu and the council, but a growing acceptance within New Zealand that Maori and Pakeha are working together to create a positive future that will distinguish this country from the rest of the Western world."
Cr Kelliher also criticised the decision to use synthetic carpet in the building instead of more environmentally friendly wool carpet, which he said was "one of the biggest kicks in the guts" for Otago farmers.
"This building will burden Otago for generations, and is a prime example of why major changes are needed in regional government."
Cr Michael Laws described the new headquarters as an official "up yours" to every ratepayer in the region.
"It’s a building in search of an empire."
Cr Alexa Forbes and Cr Mepham said those who were concerned about the rates should have a close look at the funding mechanisms for the building — the sale of existing property, an existing building fund and what would normally be paid in rent.
"The actual impact on ratepayers is minor," Cr Forbes said.
Cr Kate Wilson, Cr Alan Somerville and Cr Forbes said they were all happy with the new name.
