What does Otepoti mean in Maori?

Otepoti is the Māori name for Dunedin, a city located on the southeastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a very old name, dating back to the pre-European settlement of the area.

There are different interpretations of the meaning of Otepoti, with the most common being:

* "The place of the greenstone": This refers to the pounamu (greenstone) that was found in the Otago region, which was a highly prized material for Māori.

* "The place of the shining stone": This interpretation focuses on the reflection of the sun off the waters of Otago Harbour.

Regardless of the specific meaning, Otepoti is a powerful and evocative name that reflects the rich cultural history of the region.