Tararua Street

Tararua Street was named in honour of the Tararua Mountains, supposedly because there was a good view of the mountains from the area. The view is diminished today by tree growth.

There are a number of explanations of the name Tararua.

Some say there were named by Rangitane chief Whatonga after his two wives, Hotuwaipara and Reretua.

Others say the name comes from two maunqa , Mitre and Jumbo, known to Maori as Pukemoamo and Pukeahurangi. They say it stems from an incident when a Maori chief, Rangikaikore, lost two spear tips (also known as tara) while hunting in the region.

The Maori name for Mount Holdsworth is Taratahi, one peak.

Pic: The Tararua mountains make a show after a winter snowfall. Photo - Michael Toohey.