Wanganui spelling favoured by 77 per cent - referendum

Wanganui mayor Michael Laws is buoyed by the outcome of a referendum on whether an H should be added to the spelling of the city's name.

The question was put to residents as the Geographic Board seeks feedback on a proposal to amend the current spelling.

Mr Laws says the result is decisive, with around 77 per cent of those who voted happy with the way things are.

"There was such a huge turnout, it clearly indicates the will of Wanganui. I think it has now provided a real quandary for the activists and for the New Zealand Geographic Board who are determined to basically subvert democracy."

Mr Laws says politically the results have enormous power.

"It would be an extraordinarily foolish individual or organisation that ignored the will of Wanganui over the spelling of our city."

- NEWSTALK ZB