Manawatu: Heart Standing Still

I can sincerely say that it is no exaggeration to say that New Zealand really does rank very high as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Like many Kiwis I often take for granted what a scenic country I live in.

 

 

Shot from a phone, pictured above is a portion of the Manawatu Gorge area.  The Manawatu River is seen with windmills from the Tararua Wind Farm to the left.

The Tararua Wind Farm is the largest capacity wind farm in New Zealand with 5% of the country’s electricity generated by this means. The Manawatu River is also significant, being a key river of the lower North Island.

The river derives its name from a Maori legend involving an explorer named Hau. Hau had travelled down from the west coast of Taranaki chasing his runaway wife Wairaka and her lover. During the chase he crossed through many big rivers, but was very afraid to cross the latest large one. Clutching his chest, he named the river Manawatu. Manawa in Maori means heart, spirit and tu means depressed or still. So in total, Manawatu: heart standing still.

- Lil Sis.