Bridge name honours culture and history

Whangarei’s spectacular Lower Hatea River Crossing now has an official name – Te Matau a Pohe – translated as “The fishhook of Pohe” the Maori chief who welcomed the first English settlers to Whangarei.

Council considered that the name best represented the historical and cultural factors important to the Whangarei District.

The original Pohe Island lay off Riverside Drive and the land in between was reclaimed to form the land that is now referred to as William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island.

It lies within Ngati Kahu O Torongare territory. Wiremu Pohe was a chief of Ngati Kahu. He was also related closely to the hapu of Parawhau whose territory lies on the eastern side of the Hatea River or the Port Road side of the river.

Pohe is the chief who welcomed the first English settlers to Whangarei. He was very skilled in manufacturing fish hooks using traditional materials and styles. His hooks were so practical, many of the settlers used his fish hooks in preference to the standard English hooks made of steel.

He was also instrumental in building bridges between the two cultures during the first years of English settlement amongst Maori. Pohe used his ranking to protect many of the first settlers from being killed.

“We were looking for an inspirational name that fitted the area, aspirations of the people of our district and our history and culture,” said Council’s Roading Manager Jeff Devine.

“The bridge is a truly striking piece of sculpture that reflects who we are, and we wanted to make sure the name resonated with that.

“We know that people will come from afar not only because it is so beautiful, but because it is such an unusual and excellent piece of engineering and roading infrastructure. We wanted a name that was unique to this place and would be associated with this place whenever anyone talks about the bridge.

“We received 93 submissions, some light-hearted and funny, some probably a bit sarcastic, but many that were thoughtful, creative and sincere. The word Matau featured in many suggestions.

“Te Matau a Pohe came from a panel of kaumatua representing Te Parawhau (Taipari Munro), Ngati Kahu O Torongare (Richard Shepherd), Ngati Wai (Te Warihi Heteraka) and Buster Whautere representing Urban Maori.

“The panel proposed a number of names and ‘Te Matau a Pohe’ (the fish hook of Pohe) was their preferred option.

“A panel of Councillors recommended that this name go forward to Council’s infrastructure and Services meeting and it was adopted. Not only did it reflect the early history of the people of this area, it also resonated with the inspiration behind architect Martin Knight’s design.

“Mr Knight, working as part of the Transfield/McConnell Dowell-lead Joint Venture that designed and built the bridge, was inspired by the shape of Maori fish hooks and the prows of waka,” Mr Devine said.

“In his original presentation to Council he described how the Maori fish hook shape was an inspiration in the development of his final design and he he used the title “He Matau” which is the Maori term for fish hooks (plural), as opposed to “Te Matau” which is a single fish hook.

“I know he too will be happy to see this name selected.”

Mr Devine expressed sincere thanks to everyone who made a suggestion for the bridge. “There were some very considered suggestions, so I hope everyone is pleased with the thinking behind this decision.”

ENDS

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