Debate over extra 'h' makes its way to Herne Bay

The "h" in Wanganui debate is spreading to Auckland where moves are being made to change the spelling of Wanganui Ave in Herne Bay.

Western Bays community board chairman Bruce Kilmister is keen to change the spelling to Whanganui Ave and thinks a poll of residents would be a good start. If the street had been incorrectly named for the past 100 years it was time to put it right, he said.

Last week, Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws derided as "racist" the Geographic Board's recommendation that Wanganui change to Whanganui.

Auckland City Mayor John Banks said he had not considered a change of spelling for Wanganui Ave but supported a poll of residents.

Mr Kilmister, a member of the left-leaning City Vision political ticket, said a name change would probably not take place until the Super City was established next year, when he hoped Manukau Mayor Len Brown wouldbe mayor and sympathetic to theidea.

In Auckland City, street names are dealt with by community boards, but are approved by the full council.

The history of Wanganui Ave is unclear. These days it is a gentrified street of 100-year-old wooden villas.

Gilbert Wong, who has lived in Wanganui Ave for 10 years, said he would not have a problem with changing the name.

"I like the correct spelling of things," said the former journalist.

Another resident, David McEwen, said he would be reluctant to see the name changed.

"It's a name that has been there for more than 100 years. New Zealand needs to preserve its history and the occasional eclectic spelling is part of the rich tapestry of that."