Te Ika a Maui Tangata Whenua Place Names

This map showcases the place names given by tangata whenua throughout Te Ika-a-Māui, prior to European settlement.

Sources of the Place Names

The names displayed on this map have been sourced from:

• Direct collaboration with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and feedback from Te Tau Ihu iwi.
• The first 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.

Cartographic Details

• The cartography represents the landscape as it was in the early 19th century.
• The map is at a scale of one to a million, which means not all known tangata whenua place names could be included. Only the most prominent or culturally significant names are featured.
• Due to space limitations on the back of the maps, the kōrero (where known) is presented briefly.