Regular and plentiful rainfall falling on the mountain, absorbed by the bush and slowly released by percolation, supplies a continuous fresh water supply for agriculture, industry and household consumption - perfect for growing grass on which our dairy industry is based. For this reason our rivers and streams really are the Backbone of Taranaki.
This cache is one of a series covering the major catchments of the Taranaki ring plain
highlighting the Backbone of Taranaki
Te Henui Stream catchment
|
Source of
Headwaters |
Annual
Rainfall |
Catchment
Area |
Incoming
Streams |
| 915m up the lower northern slopes of Pouakai |
3060mm |
23.4 km2 |
Pukeikotahuna |
The Te Henui stream runs for approximately 15km from the reaches of the Pouakai range to the sea and provided a vital link for the lower and upper river papakainga (settlements), all of which supported large populations.
Throughout the late 1700s and early 1800s the Taranaki tribes were in regular conflict with warring Waikato warriors, resulting in four heke (migrations) of Te Atiawa tribespeople to the Wellington region between 1822 and 1834.
According to the story handed down through the generations it was during another expected battle with Waikato that the Te Henui stream was given it's name.
Having formed an allegiance with Taranaki iwi, the Te Atiawa mistook the supporting allied party for the enemy and in the dark a heated battle ensued resulting in significant losses on both sides. It wasn't until the sun rose that each party realised the error.
Hence the naming of Te Henui - 'the big mistake' - what we would call friendly fire, allies killing each other by mistake. In recognition of those who had fallen and the event that should not have occurred, the people called this river Te Henui.