Manukau makes a name for itself
(for John O'Connor)

When old Hotunui saw the breakers
on the bar, part of him wanted Tainui
out of there: "Aue, ka tāhuri tātou!"

They say that feeling got this town
a name: Te Mānuka o Hotunui, fear
of drowning. Now flying's taken over

from the sea, as my way in to Manukau
and terra firma, home at last from everywhere
to Aotearoa - it almost feels the same.

"Get this thing down, big boy, that's the way!"
Once those wheels hit tarmac and we roll, my
stomach flips, my heart is in your hands.

Just think: somebody wanted to call the city
Churchill, Polaris, Ngarimu, or even Savage
(Michael J). Give me a seasick Hotunui any day.