Wanganui's not the only place in search of change

While controversy rages over whether Wanganui should be spelled with an 'h' nearly 30 other place names are likely to cause some contention.

But it's unlikely the protests will be as vociferous if Katau Creek in South Westland takes the new name Copland Valley or if Mount Aitken in Fiordland becomes Mt Aitkin.

The New Zealand Geographic Board, which decides on official place names, 'accepted' Wanganui should be spelt Whanganui after meeting last week to consider an application from local iwi Te Runanga o Tupoho.

The application to change the town's name is a first and has provoked the ire of Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws, who said the proposal was an "attack on democracy".

Wendy Shaw, secretary for the New Zealand Geographic Board, said members of the public will have three months to make submissions to the proposed name change from mid-May.

The proposal is among 28 recently accepted by the board throughout the country, although many on the list would probably have most reaching for their maps or scratching their heads.

Among the better-known places on the list of proposed changes are iconic Wellington street Tinakori Rd to Tinakore Rd and the renaming of Waikoropupu Springs near Nelson to Pupu Springs.

The decisions on both have been deferred as have those on the place names Mount Ed Hillary, Hillary Peak and Hillary Hill.

Other Hillary proposals include a move to rename the Southern Alps, The Hillary Alps and the dual naming of Mt Aspiring after Sir Ed - both of which have already been declined.

Ms Shaw said out of respect the board had agreed to wait at least two years after the anniversary of Sir Ed's death.

NAME REJECTS:

Proposed --- What it stays

Clarke River --- Landsborough River
Waiawangawanga River --- Waingawa River
Obermoutere --- Upper Moutere
Kempt's Bay --- Cape Rodney
The Hillary Alps --- The Southern Alps