Mayor Annette Main believes the time is right to add the "H" to Wanganui.
Following the announcement last week that the New Zealand Geographic Board had opened consultation on a name change for the district, Ms Main said the "Whanganui" spelling had become much more common in recent times.
"This is a clear indication that relationships and times have changed," she told the Chronicle.
A notable supporter of adding the "H", the mayor said: "The council has active and close relationships with Whanganui iwi and these are continuing to develop for the benefit of the whole community.
"Our partner organisations, such as Safer Whanganui, Whanganui Digital Leaders Forum and Whanganui & Partners, are already using the 'Whanganui' spelling."