Kohukohu, a village on the Hokianga Harbour was according to Te Tai Tokerau tradition so named by legendary Polynesian explorer Kupe. Angry at food from a hāngī being insufficiently cooked, Kupe swore at those responsible. Kohukohu can be translated as swearword.
Here to this day you will find at least six marae, and the first stone bridge in the country - the oldest bridge we have. This was also one of the first European settlements in New Zealand.
For a population of 180, Kohukohu packs quite the cultural and heritage punch. Currently, celebrating its 20th anniversary is one of its hubs: the Village Arts Centre. For this week's Regional Wrap Culture 101 is joined, from Kohukohu, by one of the gallery's four co-directors and founders, Marg Morrow.
