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A Te Awamutu whanau is promoting use of the area’s original name for Maori Language Week.
Manaaki Daniels says the name should be Otawhao, (Ootaawhao) after the pa that used to stand near the intersection of Alexander and Tawhiao Streets.
She says the name Te Awamutu was given by missionaries.
It refers to it being as the last navigable point on the Mangapiko River, after which people needed to leave their canoes and walk.
Otawhao was the birthplace of the first Maori king, Potatau Te Wherowhero
Ms Daniels says for Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori she is encouraging local schools and businesses to use the name so they can raise awareness of local Maori history.
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