The Makings of Thames – 150 years a town by Carolyn McKenzie – Coromind Issue 8, 2023

Centuries ago, Māori settled Tīkapa Moana|the Firth of Thames, revelling in the abundance of kaimoana, freshwater eels and birdlife. Kauaeranga, near the river-mouth, was a significant settlement. Upriver in Parawai, the street name Herewaka means ‘safe anchorage’. Pā and kāinga shaped the coastline from Tararu to Kōpū and up the Waihou River to pā like Oruarangi, and the rich soil was cultivated.www.coromind.nz