Te Ika a Maui Tangata Whenua Place Names

This map showcases the place names given by tangata whenua throughout Te Waipounamu, 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.