Memories of Ohau

A kuia recalls her early childhood days in the 1940s and

50s living beside the Ohau Channel. “A crystal, clear, swift

flowing river fringed with raupo, manuka scrub, grassy

banks and paddocks, overhanging willows and dotted

here and there with the odd domestic wharf, boatshed and

kainga.”

Ihenga was a famous chief and explorer who loved

discovering new places. Ihenga had two dogs called

Ōhau and Potakatawhi . He journeyed with his dogs

and came across a small river. Ōhau was in such a hurry

to swim in the river he was caught and drowned in a

swirling, dangerous whirlpool. Ihenga named this small

river Ōhau in memory of his beloved kuri (dog).