VIDEO - Name change heralds new chapter for libraries

He Puna Mārama directly translates to ‘The Springs of Enlightenment’ and is derived from a significant kōrero of Kupe, the great Polynesian navigator who landed and departed from Aotearoa at Hokianga. He Puna Mārama can also be interpreted as ‘centres of information or knowledge’, which encapsulates the libraries' expanded role as sources of knowledge, growth, and community engagement.

Group Manager - Community and Engagement, Nicola Smith, says the name change better matches the services that Far North District Libraries provide to communities.

“The goal was to find a name that reflects all that modern libraries do. They are no longer simply Ngā Whare Pukapuka (houses of books), but community hubs for learning, technology, and cultural connection.”

Ms Smith says the new, bilingual name – He Puna Mārama – applies to all Far North Libraries as a group. “Individual library buildings will retain their existing names, such as Procter Library, Te Hononga, Te Ahu and so on.”

There has been no extra cost to ratepayers beyond the staff time required to create the new name and logo. This will be rolled out to online library-related assets immediately and to signage, posters, books and labels only as new items that are already budgeted for are acquired.

The new name for the Far North Libraries group continues the direction adopted by the council in 2023 with the implementation of its Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Policy. That resulted in the Far North District Council’s 35-year-old logo being refreshed in 2024.

Watch  the video below which explains the meaning behind the new name.