Page "Heathcote River" Paragraph 3

The original name of this river, Ō-pa-waho means ' The Place of the Outward Pā ', or ' The Outpost ' and refers to this pā being an outpost ( Māori: waho ) of Kaiapoi.

The pā was built in a higher location just downstream of the present Opawa Road Bridge.

It was a resting place for Ngāi Tahu travelling between Kaiapoi and Horomaka ( Banks Peninsula ).

The surrounding area was an important mahinga kai, a source of plentiful food, especially tuere ( blind eel ) and kanakana ( lamprey ).