7. HONE HARAWIRA (Māori Party—Te Tai Tokerau) Link to this
to the Minister for Land Information
He aha he tohutohu i whāia i a Ngāi Māori e pā ana ki ētahi atu ingoa Māori mō Te Ika-a-Māui me Te Wai Pounamu, ā, e pēhea ana te haere o taua mahi kimi tohutohu?
[Why are Māori being consulted about alternative Māori names for the North and South Island, and what progress has been made on that consultation exercise?]
Hon Dr RICHARD WORTH (Minister for Land Information) Link to this
I understand, from the New Zealand Geographic Board, that this consultation is being conducted because there are several different known Māori names for each island. The board will be writing to iwi throughout the country by early June, to seek their known traditional Māori names for both islands. In answer to the second question, I say that the board will then determine which are the most appropriate alternative Māori names for each island before seeking views from the wider New Zealand public.
Tēnā koe, ā, tēnā anō hoki tātou e te Whare. Ā, ki te Minita anō, hoi anō ki tana whakaaro, ka pēhea te whakanui o ētahi atu ingoa Māori mō ngā wāhi, i te ahurea tukunga iho o Aotearoa?
[An interpretation in English was given to the House.]
[Greetings to you again, Mr Speaker, and to us, the House. To the Minister once again, in your view how does having alternative Māori names for places celebrate the cultural heritage of Aotearoa?]
Hon Dr RICHARD WORTH Link to this
It recognises the historical and cultural importance of the traditional Māori name for each island. It also respects the fact that Māori is an official language of New Zealand.
Kelvin DavisWill there be consultation on alternative Māori names for the Māori seats on the council of the proposed super-city in Auckland?
Rahui KateneWhat advice has the Minister been provided with by the New Zealand Geographic Board to explain why the use of Māori names for the North Island and South Island on official maps changed in the 1950s?
Hon Dr RICHARD WORTH Link to this
It is a good question. The board has advised me that it is not known how that occurred, and I do not know the answer.