Porangahau

Porangahau, a township close to the Pacific Ocean coast in the south-east of the North Island of New Zealand, has a very small population. It lies in the southernmost part of Hawke's Bay, 45 kilometres south of Waipukurau, and close to the mouth of the Porangahau River. There is a marae at Porangahau.

The Māori name Porangahau expresses the idea of a night (po) of pursuit or of retreat (rangahau).[1]

Six kilometres northeast of the township[2] stands an insubstantial hill noted for its substantial name: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.[3]

Coordinates: 40°18′07″S 176°36′45″E / 40.3019°S 176.6126°E

References

  1. ↑ Reed, Alexander Wyclif (2002) [1975]. Peter Dowling, ed. The Reed dictionary of New Zealand place names. Max Cryer (2002 ed.). Auckland: Reed. p. 402. ISBN 0-7900-0761-4. The inhabitants of Heretaunga once had to make a hurried retreat from their enemies at this place.
  2. ↑ Reed New Zealand atlas (2004). Auckland: Reed Publishing. Map 50.
  3. ↑ "Porangahau - Home to the longest place name in the world"