Introducing Te Pae Kīrehe

Published on 29 May 2023.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) is proud to announce its te reo Māori name which was gifted by Professor Rawinia Higgins, Chair of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission).

The name, which will be used alongside ‘New Zealand Veterinary Association’, is ‘Te Pae Kīrehe’. This name draws inspiration from the word ‘pae’ (horizon, place, platform, step, orator’s bench) and ‘kīrehe’ (a traditional word for animals or fauna).

The idea behind the name is that Te Pae Kīrehe is the place where members are supported in their roles with animals – particularly as their protectors. It includes the concepts of sustainability and One Health (the horizon), solid support (the platform, the step), and advocacy (the orator’s bench).

The NZVA is very grateful to Professor Higgins for her thoughtful suggestion.

The introduction of Te Pae Kīrehe is part of our ongoing work to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This work supports the NZVA Strategy, in particular our vision of a vibrant and diverse veterinary profession. It aligns with our values of inclusivity and collegiality, and our strategies of sustainability and relevance.

By engaging with Te Ao Māori, we are looking to the future of the veterinary profession so we can welcome an increasing number of rangatahi graduates from Massey University.

We will be releasing a video with more detail about the name and why we have chosen to adopt it in June.