Waihōpai is the original name of the city of Invercargill, in New Zealand
Waihōpai meaning
Waihōpai is commonly known as the city of Invercargill. It literally translates to ‘leave it in good order’ but can also be translated as a “place of peace and tranquility”. The name reflects the peaceful and tranquil nature of the area, which was considered a desirable place to settle due to its fertile soil and abundant natural resources.
Invercargill
The city was later renamed Invercargill by European settlers in the mid-19th century, after Captain William Cargill, who was one of the founders of the nearby Otago settlement. The “Inver” part of the name comes from the Scottish word for a river mouth, while “Cargill” was added to honor Captain Cargill’s role in the founding of the region.
The renaming trend
The renaming of the city was part of a wider trend in New Zealand during this period, as European settlers sought to impose their own names and cultural traditions on the land. Many Māori place names were replaced with European names, which contributed to the erasure of Māori culture and history in the country.
Name restoration
Today, there is a growing movement to restore and celebrate Māori place names and cultural traditions, as part of a wider effort to recognize and honor the indigenous people of New Zealand and their rich history and culture.