TIWHATIWHA CRESENT | Gleaming Light that guides the way

The rohe | area near Tiwhatiwha was once inhabited by the rangatira Manuwhare who was the second son of Tūwharetoa and his first wife Uira of Ngai Tūhoe. Manuwhare and his hapū lived between Parimahana and Pupuwharau. He was a warrior and he helped safeguard other hapū within the area.

The name Tiwhatiwha

Historically, the Bowen and Hobson Street areas were part of the main route used by Tangata whenua to cross the river. During the night, the glow worms would shine on the rocks guiding the way for travellers to cross the river safely.

Tangata whenua named the place ‘Tiwhatiwha’ after the gleaming light given off the rocks. 

The historical name “Tiwhatiwha” was shared to Council by the people of Ngāti Tūwharetoa in 2020 and has been used to name the new road through the Central Cove subdivision.

Tiwhatiwha means gleaming light or to shine.
Tiwhatiwha in this context is the guiding light that leads our people safely to their destination.