Oldham's Creek — Atawhai

James Oldham, 'a retired gentleman', lived just across Oldham's Creek at Dodson's Valley. It was said that at one time Dodson and Oldham were the only two residents in the immediate locality. Oldham used to place cases of fruit on a seat beside the road with a notice inviting passers by to help themselves. This resulted in the place becoming known as "Atawhai", meaning 'to show kindness or generosity'. Years later when a post office was started in James Oldham's house the name of Atawhai was adopted for the district.

J. D. Peart stated that there was the site of an old Maori pa beside Oldham's Creek.