Council says yes to 'Remutaka'

NAME CHANGE: South Wairarapa District Council will support changing the spelling of Rimutaka. PHOTO/FILE

South Wairarapa councillors have agreed the spelling of Rimutaka Hill should be corrected but whether or not it should be called a pass was up for a debate.

The Remutaka Pass Coordinating Group has submitted a proposal to the New Zealand Geographic Board to officially rename the hill Remutaka Pass and sought support from South Wairarapa District Council.

If successful, other geographic features could use the word Remutaka, which translates as sitting down to rest.

At the council's monthly meeting yesterday, mayor Adrienne Staples said the word pass might not be appropriate.

"We support correcting the spelling to Remutaka but we have mixed views as to whether pass is the correct description."

Greytown ward councillor David Montgomerie said it was really a state highway.

Martinborough ward councillors Brian Jephson and Julie Riddell did not support the proposal.

"It would be like trying to change the name of the Manawatu Gorge," said Mrs Riddell.

"I personally don't support changing the name to Remutaka Pass."

Mr Jephson said a pass didn't have a summit.

Featherston ward councillor Colin Olds said he supported a change that described the road rather than hill.

"I would be comfortable with a name change that reflects the type of road it actually is."

Deputy mayor Viv Napier said according to the dictionary, a pass is "a way, such as a narrow gap between mountains, that affords passage around, over, or through a barrier."

Mrs Staples said a pass was a narrow passage between two mountains.

"Remutaka Summit Road would be a more accurate name."

The council unanimously agreed to support the correction from Rimutaka to Remutaka.

The proposal will be considered by the geographic board next month and if accepted, will go out for public consultation.