Russell

I am in awe of the names given to towns, islands etc. in this area. You have Taupiri Bay, Whangaruru Harbour and the breathtaking Whangaparaoa Peninsula. These are names that command respect. They are the sorts of names that ask you to furrow your brow when saying them. This is why I am slightly bemused by the town of Russell. I mean, you have Okiato, Waitangi, and... Russell. In 1840 the Maori people must have thought, 'well, we've been made to sign this treaty by the British saying "your land is ours now, ta mate," but never mind that - they've given us a town called Russell.' They may as well have called it 'Dave' and had done with it. Next I'll find that it's twinned with Bert in the Maunganui region.