Tīrau

It's a town name with a simple translation, Te Puke in English means 'The Hill' but which hill is it in a town with lots of hills? Justine Murray heads to this once thriving town of flax and gold, now a central hub for growing and packing Kiwifruit. Archive material thanks to Ngā Tāonga Sound and Visions Scott Russell. Kiwifruit Country audio first featured in the RNZ show Spectrum. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

There's a very long bridge, a braided river, an annual sheep shearing competition and no one is short of a good salmon recipe. The clue behind the name of Rakaia in the Canterbury region is inspired by the act of crossing the mighty river. Thanks to Connor Lysaught at Rokowhiria (Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum) Check out a photo of Salmon Sam, here. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The origin story of the name Taihape is cloaked in mystery, no one knows who Tai was or where this ancestor came from. But locals say he had an affliction of the body, Justine Murray heads to gumboot country to unravel the story. Archival recordings thanks to Ngā Tāonga Sound and Vision The Taihape gumboot sign was made by artist Jeff Thomson, find out more here Thanks to the Taihape Museum and Marian Cleaver. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

No one knows who said it first, but the story goes is that the name Ohakune is about entering a whole new world and a tell-tale sign that the weather might just turn. Korty and Che Wilson share the history of this town flanked by Mount Ruapehu. Thanks to Archives NZ and Ngā Tāonga Sound and Vision. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

What does it take to get people to open up and share their stories about their town?RNZ Podcast producers Justine Murray and Phil Vine chat about Nau Mai Town and the new season, and ask why are names precious to some and political to others? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details