Wanganui or Whanganui - it's your choice.
Wanganui/Whanganui will be the only city in New Zealand to have two names, after the Minister for Land Information, Maurice Williamson, yesterday announced both spellings would be made official.
However, Government departments will over time change to using the Whanganui spelling.
Both Wanganui and Whanganui will
be gazetted - that is, they will be listed as official names. Currently the city has no official name.
Mr Williamson came to Wanganui/Whanganui in person to make the announcement.
He said that during consultation it had become clear "that local iwi were seeking an acknowledgement of something that was very important to them.
"They wanted recognition and respect for their history and their language. It was equally clear that the majority of the city's residents did not want change forced on them.
"On balance, I believe that alternative naming respectfully acknowledges the correct spelling of the Maori word 'Whanganui'.
"It also respects the views of those who have always known the city's name to be spelt 'Wanganui'.
"I have been mindful of the potential disruption and transition costs associated with changing the name of a city, but I am also mindful that New Zealand has two official languages."
Mr Williamson said all official documents would be able to use either form of the spelling as the official city name.
However, Crown agencies would be asked to update signage, publications and other official documents to Whanganui as part of their normal business cycle, to ensure they did not spend additional money.
The decision will be gazetted in the new year. A minor change to the relevant legislation will be necessary.
In February, Whanganui iwi Tupoho submitted an application to the New Zealand Geographic Board to change Wanganui's name to Whanganui.
The board agreed with Tupoho and recommended to the minister that the city's name should be Whanganui.
Editorial, A6
