Signage Questions

Why have we changed our signs?

Through this process we now have consistency of signs across all libraries in the network, improved visibility, introduced our brand colours and reflected part of our commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Why are some signs in different colours?

We have three levels of signs to show different functions. The orange and blue signs are for main areas such as issues or returns. The blue signs are subjects such as History and the orange ones are to show special features such as ‘New Books’.

What are they made of?

Lightweight aluminum that has been powder-coated to match our brand colours.

Who made them?

A Christchurch sign company - Signtech

Will the signs on the outside of libraries be changed?

External signs will be produced in 2003. Each library in the Christchurch City Libraries network will be honoured with a Māori name in consultation with Ngāi Tahu. These names will reflect the nature of the building, its location and the community it serves.

How much did they cost?

The cost has been spread over three years. Each sign is reusable so now that the initial investment has been made ongoing costs will be minimal.

Why do we have Māori words on them?

To reflect our special relationship with Tangata Whenua as Treaty partners, and to actively support the aim of Ngāi Tahu to revitalise and nurture te reo Māori for future generations.

Who translated the signs?

Nekenekeite Rangi Paul with help from the Puna Reo ki Ngāi Tahu, the language unit of the Ngāi Tahu Rūnanga, Dr. Terry Ryan (Libraries Kaumatua), representatives from Tangata Whenua out in the community and Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission).

How were the Māori words chosen?

Through a process of extensive research based on whakapapa in consultation with Ngāi Tahu.

Why did we use ‘Ng’ instead of the ‘K’ used in Ngāi Tahu dialect?

All the Māori terms were endorsed by the Ngāi Tahu language unit. Although ‘K’ is used by many Kai Tahu people, the ‘Ng’ is the legal identifier on all Ngāi Tahu official documents. We were strongly encouraged by local Hapu to stay with the more familiar ‘Ng’ at this stage.

Will we be adding other languages?

Some other languages may be used in special collections to reflect the nature of the resources in those collections.

Why do some signs have the Māori first and some have the English first?

Signs in Ngā Pounamu Māori o Aotearoa Centre and signs where the subject matter is Māori eg. Ngāi Tahu Collection, use Māori first to reflect the cultural significance of the area or the collection.