Laws calls for referendum on W(h)anganui debate

Wanganui or Whanganui: Mayor Michael Laws wants the city's name decided by referendum. Photo / Wikimedia Commons

Michael Laws is calling for a local referendum to determine whether the city should be named Wanganui or Whanganui.

The Wanganui mayor today labelled the New Zealand Geographic Board's decision to recommend changing the name to Whanganui as a "sham".

"This is not consultation - this is not an exercise in being open-minded. This is just a ritual to be observed in confirming their existing prejudice," he said.

Wanganui District Council members are meeting tomorrow to consider their response to the board's decision.

Mr Laws said that the most effective and efficient way to decide the issue was by a district-wide referendum of the region's 30,000 adult residents.

"I want every Wanganui resident to be able to have a say - and make a submission - on this issue.

"I also note that every internet poll on this issue is running 2-to-1 or 3-to-1 in favour of Wanganui's name retention.

"In other words, the considerable majority of New Zealanders don't want Wanganui's name changed either.

"We need to establish some way to have that public viewpoint translated to the board as well."

Mr Laws said that the key person in the whole issue was going to Land and Information Minister Richard Worth.

"This will be a political decision. Any submissions will not simply go to the board but ultimately the minister as well."

- NZPA