​Te Puna Mahara - Cromwell Memorial Events Centre name confirmed

At the meeting of Central Otago District Council in chambers today, elected members agreed to adopt the name Te Puna Mahara - Cromwell Memorial Events Centre.

A dual name for the facility was agreed upon by Council at their meeting today, acknowledging the cultural design integration of the building and the council’s commitment to mana whenua. The English name was consulted on with the Central Otago community to inform a name for the new events centre, which is expected to host major events and contribute to the cultural, social and economic vitality of the district.

Te Puna Mahara was endorsed by mana whenua across the region and can be translated as a repository of memories or centre of remembrance.

Mana whenua representative and Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou Chair Paulette Tamati-Elliffe shared the narrative behind the name Te Puna Mahara.

“Rākaihautū is the Waitaha ancestor, the first people of Te Waipounamu, who captained the Uruao waka. Upon discovering this land, he directed his son to circumnavigate around the island by sea, while Rākaihautū journeyed inland.

“Using his kō, or spade, Tūwhakaroria, Rākaihautū foresaw three pools, or puna: Te Puna Hauaitu, Te Puna Waimarie, Te Puna Karikari (the pools of frozen water, the pools of bountiful resources, the pools dug by the hand of man).”

Ms Tamati-Elliffe said this description reflects the diverse bodies of water found throughout Central Otago, including the man‑made Lake Dunstan, which Te Puna Mahara overlooks.

“Mahara means memories, to remember, to recollect, to reflect on, and to bear in mind. This meaning weaves together the memorial nature of what the facility represents for the community, and the opportunity to bring our memories forward as mana whenua, and to have those memories layered with the many people who have come over time.”

Mayor Tamah Alley said the name reflects a deep connection to place and community.

“We’re honoured to be gifted the name Te Puna Mahara for our new events facility. It speaks to memory, connection and gathering – everything this space is designed for. I have no doubt our community will embrace it,” she says.

Mana whenua also gifted the name Te Puna Roimata for the touchstone in the War Memorial Gardens. Meaning pool of tears, Te Puna Roimata is a tangible, tactile symbol of spiritual connection for visitors to the gardens to embrace.

Confirming the name enables signage, branding, and promotion to begin ahead of the facility’s opening in July 2026.