Welcome to the Longest Placename in the World

The stories of heroic exploration in this mountainous and once greatly forested country goes back a very long way. Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa sailing-craft voyaged to the shores of these islands over a thousand years ago. These original people travelled across the land and named places that would become part of today’s heritage landscape.historynew

One of the greatest explorers in the history of Aotearoa was Tamatea Ure Haea, also known  as Tamatea Pokai Whenua and Tamatea Pokai Moana (Tamatea the explorer of the Land and Tamatea the explorer of Oceans). Tamatea was born into a family of explorers, and he continued the legacy. He was a man of enormous curiosity and energy, who roamed throughout Aotearoa, from Muriwhenua to Murihiku – the far north to the deep south. Hence, the names associated with Tamatea and his journeys are to be found throughout the length and breadth of Aotearoa.

 

Boasting 85 letters, Te Taumata has been published in the Guiness Book of World Records as one of the longest place names in the World.

Because of Te Taumata’s unique point of difference it easily attracts attention appearing in several television advertisements, songs, social media platforms, printed matter, wine, clothing, and animated movies.

Te Taumata was included as part of the Wai262 Waitangi Tribunal Claims, commonly known as the flora and fauna and Māori knowledge claim. This led to the name being registered as a trademark on 6 April 2006.

The location of Te Taumata is registered as a historical site and waahi tapu (sacred place) with Heritage New Zealand. The GPS co-ordinates are:

  • 2811 657 E 2811 746 E
  • 609 0261 N 608 9870 N
  • 2811 794 E 2811 492 E
  • 6090 303 N 6090 309 N

“The sign on Wimbledon Road is not the location.”

 

Your support helps bring the story of our land, culture,
and people to life for future generations.

 

Support.pngThe Longest Place Name Project is more than a story. It is a place grounded in connection, indigenous knowledge, environmental protection, and the sharing of one of the world’s most unique cultural treasures, the place known as Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.

Through our digital stories, downloadable PDFs, and cultural storytelling resources, we are building support for a long-term eco-cultural tourism vision that reconnects people to the land, the stories of our ancestors, and the living environment that surrounds this special place.

Every purchase helps us continue this work. Funds raised support the development of cultural tourism experiences, biodiversity protection, storytelling projects, educational resources, native planting initiatives, and the preservation of local histories and mātauranga for future generations.

This kaupapa is independent, community-driven, and built through the support of people who believe Indigenous stories, environments, and knowledge systems matter.

When you purchase a story, you are not simply buying a PDF. You are helping to Protect and restore the land, Share Māori stories with the world, Support Indigenous-led tourism development, Preserve cultural knowledge for future generations, Create opportunities for whānau and local communities, and Build a regenerative future grounded in culture and environment

Even a small contribution helps strengthen the kaupapa and move this vision closer to reality.


Together, we can transform storytelling into restoration, culture into connection, and tourism into something that uplifts both people and place

Or click now to get The Story!

 

Address:
P.O. Box 7, Porangahau 4245


510 Wimbledon Rd
Pōrangahau 4292
Central Hawke’s Bay
New Zealand


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