Bi-lingual signs a hit with Pop Up business owners

The first batch of new signs proudly sharing Porirua’s Māori heritage and identity have been welcomed by business owners at a popular waterside recreation spot.

A trio of signs promoting the Harbour’s Edge Pop Up have been installed, helping to direct visitors, in English and Māori, to the popular recreation area.

The signs are the result of Porirua City Council’s partnership with local iwi Ngāti Toa, and reflect its commitment to promote the Māori language.

The idea for the signs came about during the recent Māori Language Week, which was of particular significance to Porirua where more than 20% of the population identify as Māori.

Business owners at the Harbour’s Edge Pop Up have welcomed the new signage and the way it promotes the Māori language to both locals and visitors.

Bluebell Club Pacifica Showroom Owners Ramona McDowell and Pip Hermansson said the signs are a great addition.

“With the diversity of culture that is integral to our Pacifica Showroom, and is such a good fit with the Porirua area, we are delighted to have bi-lingual signage being introduced by the city.

“It is a great initiative, and will enhance the cultural diversity of ours and other businesses on the Harbour’s Edge and wider Porirua area.”

Grilla BBQ owner Briana Hunt said the signs were good for the city and the Pop Up.

“It’s great to have that development, bringing greater awareness around the Maori language”, Hunt said.

“It’s also about having that recognition of the history of this land.”

Get Fixed Bicycle owner Simon Bendall said the signs helped welcome people to the Harbour’s Edge.

“It also gives the site and the businesses here a bit more of a profile, people now actually know where the Harbour’s Edge Pop Up is, the signs are quite helpful in that regard.”

ENDS

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