Wanganui Council to appeal 'H' decision

File photo / Wanganui Chronicle

The Wanganui District Council plans to appeal the New Zealand Geographic Boards' decision today to insert the letter H in Wanganui, Mayor Michael Laws says.

The board proposed the spelling be changed to Whanganui after local iwi committee Te Runanga O Tupoho petitioned for the change, a move vehemently opposed by Mr Laws, who today labelled the decision "racist".

Any name change has yet to be approved by Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson, who may confirm, modify or reject it.

Mr Laws said at a press conference today he thought the Government would finally make the right decision, having last week discussed the issue with Prime Minister John Key.

Mr Laws earlier labelled the geographic board's decision "racist".

He made the comment on his talkback show this morning after commenting that the board's decision followed the views of the local Maori trust, Tupoho Whanau Trust.

Te Runanga o Tupoho Trust spokesman Ken Mair said the issue wasn't over yet, as Mr Williamson still had the final say on the decision.

"We want to encourage the Government to do the right thing and that is to spell our name correctly and that's all we're asking for."

He said he was under no illusion that this wouldn't be a popular decision amongst all.

"There's no doubt in my mind there are people that are opposed to the change and that hasn't been helped by some of the information that's been given out by the council or the mayor," Mr Mair said.

But I think once people understand that really, it's the simple issue of a name that's been mis-spelt which needs to be corrected.

"It's not about numbers, it's not about majority it's not about a referendum. People should do the right thing and correct it. It's a simple spelling mistake."

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia hailed the decision as a "great day" for the city.

Mrs Turia welcomed the board's "historic" decision, which she believed righted a wrong which occurred many years ago.

She said she applauded the tangata whenua of Whanganui for their patience in "seeking justice".

"It is incredibly uplifting to look through the submissions and to see the strength of support from people right across New Zealand who sought to recognise the distinctive Maori heritage of Whanganui," Mrs Turia said.