What's In A Name

In todays business/economic environment, where brands are an important part of a person/product/company/town/city identity, we are not going to be left out.

Pakowhai was the original name of the Maori settlement that is where our township is today.

Our current name, Opotiki, is a shortened version of O Potiki-Mai-Tawhiti, 'the two pets from afar'. Those two pets were fish that belonged to Tarawa who brought them over from Hawaiiki and placed them in a spring above Waiotahi Beach.

Our township is bordered by two rivers, the Otara and the Waioeka. In the early days these rivers provided transport and communication inland, and the natural harbour at Pakowhai assured access to the coastline. Today they still provide those things, just with bridges connecting the riverbanks.

So it does seem rather appropriate that the two fish 'brand' be something that identifies our town. Although not prolific at the moment, there are indications the branding will become more and more meaningful alongside our town name.

As we locals know, there are definitely more than 'two fish'to be found in our rivers and ocean. And with the other natural resources these places provide, we are a place of plenty of kai moana options.

Be part of our 'brand' and know that there is very much more to a name. And be assured that it is alright to be a small fry at times.