What Does “Tāmaki Makaurau” Mean?
Tāmaki Makaurau is the Māori name for Auckland, most often translated as “Tāmaki desired by many” or “Tāmaki of a hundred lovers.” It reflects how fiercely the isthmus was prized for its fertile soil and twin harbours.
What does Tāmaki Makaurau mean?
Tāmaki is the name for the isthmus, the narrow neck of land Auckland sits on. Makaurau is commonly read as “desired by many” or “of a hundred lovers.” Put together, Tāmaki Makaurau means the place of Tāmaki that many people longed for. The name captures centuries of competition between iwi for an exceptionally rich and strategic piece of land.
Why was the isthmus so desired?
Because it had almost everything. The volcanic soils were superb for growing kūmara, the cones made natural fortified pā, and the narrow land between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours gave access to two coastlines and easy canoe portage between them. That combination of food, defence and transport made Tāmaki the most contested ground in the region.
How do you pronounce it?
Roughly TAH-mah-kee MAH-kow-rau. The macron over the a in Tāmaki lengthens the vowel. Taking care with the pronunciation is a small mark of respect, and the name is increasingly used alongside or instead of Auckland in official and everyday settings.
Is Tāmaki Makaurau the official name?
It is the recognised Māori name and is used widely, including by Auckland Council and central government, often paired with Auckland as a dual name. New Zealand has been steadily restoring and recognising te reo Māori place names, and Tāmaki Makaurau is now a common part of how the city refers to itself.
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