The longest place name in the world

The longest name in the world, that’s what the sign said.  This was another “must see” on this trip.  We had heard of it, but none of us had travelled this road before.  We hoped that there would be safe off road parking for our three cars and caravans travelling together. 

We’re nearly there

Luckily there was just enough room to get us all safely parked off the road.  Not that this road had much traffic travelling up and down, but we wanted to be safely parked and out of danger. 

And there it was, not only the longest place name but surely the longest sign as well.  It was the longest sign we had ever seen, that’s for sure!  How many letters in that name?  We counted 84.

The longest place name in the world

It tells the story of the chief Tamatea, of Ngati Kahunguna people, whose warriors entered into battle with the Ngati Hine as they traversed the Porangahau area.  Tamatea’s beloved brother (not named) was killed in the battle.  Tamatea was so grief stricken at the loss of his brother, that he stayed on in the area for some time.  Each morning he sat on the knoll of the hill, playing a lament on his koauau (flute) to the memory of his brother.