Te Tōangaroa, formerly known to some as Quay Park, is a vibrant city centre precinct with a unique connection to the tangata whenua of central Tāmaki Makaurau, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

While you may already be familiar with the area, which lies between Britomart and Parnell alongside the Wāitemata, we’ve been on a journey to restore the original name of the bay, Te Tōangaroa. And it’s one that we’re proud to share to Aucklanders and visitors to Tāmaki Mākaurau, alongside a refreshed look and feel.

Te Tōangaroa translates as ‘dragging of the waka a long distance’. This was once a thriving place of trade where Māori arrived to when coming to Tāmaki, and would drag their waka to shore where Beach Rd is currently.

Te Tōangaroa is Aotearoa’s first tangata whenua urban precinct - a vibrant urban neighbourhood in the heart of Tāmaki. The vision for Te Tōangaroa is a space where the people of Tāmaki can come together and celebrate the culture and environment this city and its people have to offer.

Given the significance of Te Tōangaroa to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the precinct now has a refreshed identity that reflects the iwi, bringing te reo Māori and Māori culture to the fore.

The name and new look reflects the precinct’s deep connection with tangata whenua, recognising the enduring presence of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei who have maintained ahi kā of the city and its history in the area.