Māori Place Names: Their Meanings and Origins, Fourth Edition

Pronounce and understand Māori place names with the new fourth edition of A.W. Reed’s classic guide to meanings and origins of names across New Zealand. From Ahaura to Whitianga, this handily sized book is the definitive guide to the most common and notable Māori names on our land.

Why do Whangarei, Tauranga, Motueka and Timaru have the names they do? Why all the fuss about the spelling of Whanganui and Rimutaka? What are the original names for Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin? Māori Place Names gives concise and clear answers, as well as taking in curiosities like one of the world’s longest place names—Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu.

The new Māori Place Names includes maps on the inside covers showing principal names, and also reproduces the illustrations from the original 1950 edition by renowned artist James Berry. For bookshelf, glove box or backpack, this is a must.

• A.W. Reed, Author

  A.W. Reed (1908–1979) was one of New Zealand’s most influential writers and publishers. He helped build A.H. & A.W. Reed into the country’s leading publisher, and authored more than 200 books. His works on Māori mythology have served New Zealanders for several generations

• Peter Dowling, Translator

  Peter Dowling, the publisher of Oratia Books, who most recently revised Place Names of New Zealand in 2010.