The Waihemo Shag River on Horse Range Rd, near Palmerston, in late spring. PHOTO: BILL CAMPBELLThe Shag River has undergone a name change. The river will now be known as Waihemo Shag River, after the river’s name was officially changed by the New Zealand Geographic Board. ‘‘Waihemo’’ translated to ‘‘river that has gone away’’ or ‘‘dwindled’’, and Shag River was named by early whalers as a reflection of the seabird presence, Mr Haanen said. ■Allied Press will refer to the Waihemo Shag River in future.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 27, 2021 16:36 UTC