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Topic
Place naming
Last updated
Issue or publication date
Resource category
Guide
Resource status
Current

This map shows the place names given by tangata whenua throughout Te Waipounamu, before European settlement

Map showing the place names given by tangata whenua throughout Te Ika-a-Māui, before European settlement

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The names shown on this map have been sourced from:

  • direct collaboration with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and feedback from Te Tau Ihu iwi
  • the 1st editions of Te Ika-a-Māui and Te Wai Pounamu circa 1840 maps published in 1995 by the Department of Survey and Land Information for Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa New Zealand Geographic Board
  • Treaty of Waitangi claims’ settlements.

The cartography is a best attempt to represent the landscape at it was in the early 19th century. This map is at a scale of one to a million so not all known tangata whenua place names were able to be included – only those that are the most prominent or culturally significant. Space limitation on the back of the maps meant the kōrero where known is brief.

For further information about any of these names or for other Aotearoa New Zealand place names please see the New Zealand Gazetteer.  For comments and feedback on the maps and/or names, please contact the Board at NZGBenquiries@linz.govt.nz. Changes can be made in the next revisions and/or editions of the printed maps, and periodically in the digital versions.