Want to know what these names mean? 👇👇👇 It’s Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week! So, I’ve made a list of my favourite places in Te-Ika-a-Maui (the North Island) and what their names mean ✨ ⛰️Taranaki Maunga: Taranaki refers to the legendary ancestor of the local iwi, while "Maunga" means "mountain." 🏞️ Taupō-nui-a-Tia: Translates to "The Great Cloak of Tia," named after the Māori chief Tia who discovered the lake. It reflects the vastness and importance of Lake Taupō. 🌇 Te Whanganui-a-Tara: Means "The Great Harbour of Tara." Tara was a son of the Polynesian explorer Whātonga, and the name honors his exploration of the region. ⛰︎ Koro Ruapehu: Translates to "Elder Ruapehu." "Koro" is a term of respect meaning "elder," reflecting the mountain's prominence and sacred status. 🌊 Te Āpiti: Means "The Narrow Passage," referring to the narrow gorge that separates the Ruahine and Tararua mountain ranges. 🌄 Ngāuruhoe: Named after Ngāuruhoe, the son of Ngātoroirangi, a chief and tohunga (priest). 💦 Mangawhero: Means "Red Stream," referring to the waterway's reddish hue, which can result from the surrounding iron-rich volcanic soil. What’s your favourite place in Aotearoa, and do you know its original name? If not, ask below, and I’ll see what I can dig up! #connecttonature #tewikiotereomaori2024 #maorilanguageweek2024 #nzplaces #aotearoanewzealand