Lords River
| Lords River / Tūtaekawetoweto | |
|---|---|
.png)  | |
| Native name | Tūtaekawetoweto (Māori) |
| Location | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Southland |
| District | Southland District |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • coordinates | 46°59′29″S 167°56′25″E / 46.99139°S 167.94028°E |
| • elevation | 490 m (1,610 ft) |
| Mouth | |
• location | Pacific Ocean |
• coordinates | 47°06′11″S 168°06′18″E / 47.10306°S 168.10500°E |
• elevation | Sea Level |
| Length | 35 km (22 mi) |
The Lords River, officially Lords River / Tūtaekawetoweto,[1] is a river located on the eastern coast of Stewart Island, New Zealand.
Etymology and Naming
[edit]The river is traditionally known in Māori as Tutae Ka Wetoweto, sometimes rendered as Tutae-Ka-Wetoweto.[2] The name has been officially recognized as part of the dual naming policy established under the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998.[1]
The river was originally named Port South East by the European explorer Owen Smith when he charted the island in 1804.[3] In 1809, it was renamed Lords River by Welsh sealer and explorer John Grono during his coastal explorations.[4]
Geography
[edit]Lords River flows generally southeast across the island and empties into the Pacific Ocean. It is the largest navigable river on Stewart Island and is surrounded by dense native forest, with rich biodiversity in its watershed.[5]
Ecological Significance
[edit]The river and its surrounding area are part of the Rakiura National Park, New Zealand's newest national park, established in 2002. The river system supports populations of native birds such as the South Island kaka, tui, and is also home to rare freshwater fish species.[6]
Cultural Importance
[edit]For Ngāi Tahu, the iwi (tribe) with mana whenua over Stewart Island, the river is of cultural and historical importance, associated with traditional travel routes, fishing grounds, and spiritual significance.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998 No 97 (as at 30 January 2021), Public Act Schedule 96 Alteration of place names – New Zealand Legislation". New Zealand Government. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ Beattie, Herries (1947). Place-names of Otago and Southland. Otago Daily Times. p. 106.
- ^ McNab, Robert (1907). Murihiku and the Southern Islands. Whitcombe and Tombs. pp. 144–145.
- ^ "Lords River, Tutae Ka Wetoweto , Port South East, Stewart Island Place Names". Sails Ashore & Kowhai Lane Lodges, Stewart Island. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ "Stewart Island / Rakiura: A Natural Treasure" (PDF). Department of Conservation (New Zealand). Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ "Stewart Island's ecology rich and fragile, conservationists warn". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ "Ngāi Tahu Environmental Management – Kaitiakitanga". Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Retrieved 6 April 2025.