Murray Gillespie and Des Friedrich When it comes to the Taranaki landscape, historical Maori place names versus English versions can be a point of contention for many people in the region.
For the Rotary Club of New Plymouth embracing the new name of the Rotary Club of Ngamotu, Taranaki, is a positive step in the right direction.
"We needed to rethink how we operate and this is one of the steps in getting back in touch with the community," club president elect Des Fredrich said.
The club had no members who identified as Maori, no connection with any marae, and no connection with any Maori organisations, he said.
"To me if we want to be a genuine organisation that is involved with the community - it's the whole community."
For the Rotary Club of New Plymouth embracing the new name of the Rotary Club of Ngamotu, Taranaki, is a positive step in the right direction.
"We needed to rethink how we operate and this is one of the steps in getting back in touch with the community," club president elect Des Fredrich said.
The club had no members who identified as Maori, no connection with any marae, and no connection with any Maori organisations, he said.
"To me if we want to be a genuine organisation that is involved with the community - it's the whole community."
The service organisation prides itself on diversity and friendship and hoped the name change would inspire a sense of belonging and attract more Maori members.
When it tested the waters the feedback was positive, Rotary International virtually approved it overnight and the local district governor and district body were over the moon about the idea.
A few traditionalists wanted to stick to New Plymouth, but after a series of discussions the decision was unanimous when it got to the vote, Fredrich said.
Members who attended a presentation of the story of Parihaka at a local school were so fascinated by the way the kids reacted to the story and the story itself that it inspired them to embark on a journey of discovery into the Maori heritage of Taranaki.
"For us it was about why don't we go back to our original name for this region, why are we New Plymouth?" Fredrich said.
Rotarians Wally Garrett, Gordon Gower, Murray Gillespie, and Fredrich also decided to expand their personal horizons and learn Te Reo Maori on a 36 week course at Te Wananga O Aotearoa Rangiatea.
While Fredrich is of Maori descent, he admitted knowing very little about the Maori way. When asked in class to write down what he hoped to achieve he wrote he wanted to be fluent enough to stand on a marae and speak if he was invited to, and understand what was being said.
While it was an ambition he had had for many years circumstances never let him pursue the opportunity.
"Now I decided im going to take the time," Fredrich said.
- Stuff