New Name, New Road, and a Little Delay – UWMC October 2025 Update

Kia ora e te whānau,

We’re excited to share a few important updates about the new Upper Waitematā Marine Centre at Hobsonville Point and to keep you in the loop as we move closer to opening our doors.

📌 TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

🌀 New name gifted: Te Pae ō Ōruamōkai from Te Kawerau ā Maki
📍 Official address confirmed: 43 Launch Road, Hobsonville
🏗️ Construction update: Elevator supply issue may delay completion
🎉 Opening event planning underway – stay tuned!
👉 Joining the founding families. DONATE HERE: https://www.uwmc.org.nz/founders-pledge

🌊 A Name of Deep Significance:

Te Pae ō Ōruamōkai

Our marine centre has been gifted a very special name by local iwi, Te Kawerau ā Maki:

👉 Te Pae ō Ōruamōkai
This name refers to a gathering place at the lair of Mōkai, the guardian taniwha of the inner Waitematā Harbour. It speaks to the centre’s purpose as a place of connection between people, land, and sea… And its role in helping to protect and celebrate our marine environment.

We’re incredibly honoured to carry this name and are working closely with Te Kawerau ā Maki to bring the stories of this place to life through carvings, storytelling, and our upcoming opening ceremony.

🗣️ Can You Say “Te Pae ō Ōruamōkai?” (Gathering place at the lair of Mōkai)

Te Pae ō Ōruamōkai (“Teh Pie or-roo-ah-MORE-kai”)
It’s a beautiful name, full of meaning, and we know it’s new for many of us. That’s okay. We’re all learning together.

Here’s a fun way to practice:

Step 1: Say “Tea Pie” 🍵🥧
Step 2: Add “Oh-roo-a” (like a sea shanty chant) 🌊
Step 3: Finish with “MORE-kai” (as if you're demanding more snacks) 😋

Now give it a go:
👉 Tea Pie Oh-roo-a-MORE-kai!

Because learning how to say someone’s name is one way we show respect… and build a community that’s stronger together.

📍 We Have a bona fide Address!

The Auckland Council Planning Office has officially awarded our centre it’s address. The centre now officially lives at:

👉 43 Launch Road

This practical milestone means we can move forward with signage, postal services, licences, and more. Keep an eye out for our name and number going up around the site soon!

🚧 Construction Update: A Small Bump in the Road

Construction is tracking well overall… we’ve got walls, floors, and a fantastic view… but we’ve recently hit a bit of a delay.

Our building's elevator (lift) has been held up due to supply issues beyond our control. This means the project will slightly overrun our original timeline.

We’re working with our contractors to keep things moving and will share a revised opening date as soon as we can.

In case you missed it, our Trustee, Colart Miles, shared a short video of a recent site visit.

👀 What’s Next?

✔ Final designs for our story panels and community space are nearly ready
✔ Foundation clubs are making preparations for moving in next year
✔ Hospitality proposals are being reviewed
✔ Opening event planning is underway! Stay tuned!

🌟 Be Part of the Legacy: Join our Founding Families

The marine centre is built for the future and for the people who live here now.
Our Founding Families campaign invites local whānau to leave their mark on this place by contributing to its final stages of fit-out and storytelling.