The name Ākau Tangi speaks to the sound and energy of the wind and waves crashing along the coastline. The name is made up of two parts – Te Ākau, meaning the coast, and Tangi, to make sound, cry out.
Ākau Tangi is a fitting name for the centre due to its proximity to the coastline and the way in which the name encapsulates the essence of the centre and its community. Like the coastline of Te Whanganui-a-Tara, the centre is a place of constant energy, movement, and sound and has its own distinct and unique rhythm throughout the day.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau is pleased to see a new te reo name and identity for this significant Wellington sports centre.
“Through the renaming process there is an opportunity to tell the story and highlight the significance of Evans Bay in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, and to increase the use of te reo in Wellington.
“The new name Ākau Tangi also represents inclusivity and promotes diversity in our sport and active recreation communities.
“This marks a new era for the sports centre and provides an opportunity for which we can all, as Wellingtonians, be proud of and feel a strong sense of belonging to the meaning behind this important Pōneke asset.”
In April 2022 the Social, Cultural and Economic Committee approved the new name for the centre.