This thesis researched the oral transmission of mātauranga Māori from one generation to another with a particular focus on the significance of place names in the Hokianga area from Waimamaku through to Opononi. It also sought to understand the stories and history that accompany this area. Our oral traditions are critical in helping to define our identity as Māori, and our relationship with the land. This thesis begins by looking at the ways in which we as Māori are connected to the land and some of our traditional values regarding cultural practices and the way our tūpuna lived. It also shares an example of the way in which our oral traditions and histories were preserved and taught. There is then a detailed section regarding the significance of Hokianga place names within the Waimamaku, Omapere and Opononi area of Hokianga. This information has been provided orally from the generosity of kaumātua of our area. Following this I have concluded by providing an overall statement about the significance of findings and outcomes of my research. This kaupapa is important as more and more of these place names and their histories will continue to be lost if records are not kept and shared with future generations. I also understand the importance of protecting this knowledge. Through colonisation and over time the use of our traditional educational practices and our place names and their histories have been forgotten, watered down, and sometimes lost. Our learning methods, histories and whakapapa constitute important elements of who we are as Māori. They recognise the past, help us to understand today and guide us into the future. The research strategy used in my thesis is collaborative storying co-constructed between myself the researcher and local kaumātua deemed to hold traditional knowledge of our area. This has provided the opportunity to find out significant place names and our local histories. Prior to working on this thesis only a few names were known and understood. However in the end we are able to get a more detailed picture of our history. There are still plenty more place names to be found and understood. We live and come from a beautiful place.