Stories of Tairāwhiti with Mayor Meng Foon

To celebrate Te wiki o te Reo (Māori Language Week) we are inviting the public to hear the stories of our region as told by Mayor Meng Foon. Using Google earth maps as a prompt, Meng will take participants on a flying visit throughout our diverse region recalling the stories he has heard during his time as Mayor. He will talk about the origins of Māori place names particular to the kaunihera a rohe.

 "Born and bred in Gisborne I have heard a few stories. Over the last 9 years I have traveled extensively throughout our rohe listening to the whaikorero (speeches) of our people and our kaumatua (leaders). I have asked questions and like to remember the answers. Māori language is very descriptive and is based in storytelling. Many everyday aspects of life are described as metaphors. This makes for a good yarn.

 "One story is about the rohe of Turaki. Captain Cook landed there and misheard the locals. He thought they were saying 'Tolaga' and hence Tolaga Bay was named. Many Māori now refer to the area as Uawa - the joining of 2 rivers.

"Another name that is very pertinent to the council at the moment, and all those who rely on State Highway 35, is Waiomatatini. Literally translated it means 'the place of many springs'.  Perhaps if the engineers who originally mapped out the state highway through this area were aware of the translation they would have rethought where they put the road."

 The one hour story tour will be held in te ruma kaunihera (council chambers) on Friday 31 July starting at 12 noon. All are welcome.