Continuing discussion on the revised council boundaries to be negotiated…

The last TRM post discussed some of the historic confusion surrounding the river’s name. It varied from Tongariro to Lower Waikato to both. Utter confusion prevailed. This is a good opportunity to rethink the new identity in relation to the past.

Recently another little tourist town in the National Park changed their name. National Park became Waimarino. Whether you love it or hate it, the town has never received so much publicity. Everyone had an opinion. Similarly, this is the opportune moment to rebrand Turangi for the future.

This naming history is of particular interest as the new town (city of the future?) within the new council boundary may need to be renamed to strengthen the identity to announce a new image.

As the name “Tongariro” will resonate with immense new success and wealth from water tariffs, to indicate the source of the newfound wealth, TRM viewers have decided the new town should be called “TONGARIRO”.

To follow other successful towns, to provide for future growth, this new town should be split into two suburbs. The eastern or river side should be called Taupahi. The western side, with the mall and schools, should be Turangi.

How can they argue with that?

Did you know the Tongariro River was once called the Waikato? True! The name was in contention for many years and subject to tribal and political shenanigans. Even the Maori tribes could not agree. Any excuse was good enough for threatening tribal warfare to laugh about later!

THE EVENING POST, 28 July 1928.

“Duplication in the naming of the most famous trout stream in New Zealand – if not in the world – has been causing a certain measure of confusion,”

The historians all disagreed. Historically, both names had been used. The Government proponents insisted on the “Upper Waikato”. Government AA signs naming the “Upper Waikato” River at Turangi were torn down in 1927. By 1932 they changed their tune to “Tongariro”.

The Maori view was also divided. It was so serious that the Ngati Tuwharetoa group petitioned the Prime Minister, rejecting any change from “Tongariro”. They argued the waters flowing from the central plateau region “have been associated from time immemorial with our people, their history, their legends, and their folklore, etc.”

Signatories included Hoani Te Heu Heu (hereditary paramount chief and grandson of the Maori leader who gifted the water catchment area to the government), Puataata Te Kerehi (P. A. Grace), and T. Hoka Downs, all of whom had world-famous Tongariro fishing pools named after them.

In reply, a 1932 petition was also organised by Maniapoto representing the Waikato region. It could have started tribal warfare. The Geographic Board of NZ became involved, further complicating matters, and by 1945 had tried to please everyone with a split decision and an uneasy compromise to use both names.

Eventually, thankfully, “Tongariro” won. What a sensible decision.

The confusion over names was not restricted to the river… The authorities and fishery management could not agree on who they were either. The recent regulatory changes at Lake Otamangakau led to a signed petition from anglers to management. Negotiations with DOC continue…

Before you ask…

The Tongariro River, world famous for trout fishing, is named after Mount Tongariro, originating from the Māori phrase tonga-riro, meaning “seized by the cold south wind”. It honours the ancestor Ngātoro-i-rangi, who nearly froze on the mountain and called to his sisters in Hawaiki to send fire. The river was formally named in 1945.

Based on our Māori dictionary, taupahī (often written as taupahi) means a camping place or camp. [1]

It refers to a spot where people settle or stop, often used in historical contexts regarding travel or resting during a journey.

• Example phrase: Ka tata ki te taupahī, ka noho… (When they were close to the camp, they remained…). [1]

They also suggested “Taupehi” is an alternative spelling, but, on checking further with local fishermen, and TRM interpreters, they advised that it really means “trout fishing paradise”.