No change to Maniototo spelling

The Central Otago District Council has decided to keep its initial proposal unchanged after considering a submission regarding a name spelling change for the Maniototo Ward and Maniototo Community Board.

At today’s meeting (29 May 2024), the Council considered three written submissions relating to workload and diversity on the community boards, one of which was a submission on whether the Maniototo Community Board and the ward name should be changed to Māniatoto. There was one oral submission, which was a representative from the Puketeraki rūnaka who spoke in favour of a change in spelling to Māniatoto.

The Maniototo Community Board had previously reflected that the overall view of their community was to keep the spelling the same. In light of the formal submission, the Maniototo Community Board met on 27 May to consider whether this changed its position. The Board reaffirmed the position to keep the spelling the same. In debating this matter, councillors expressed that it was important to listen to the view of the Board and that it was for the Maniototo community to drive this change. There were, however, a number of councillors who felt that the name should be corrected as it was an historical error, but the Representation Review was not the right process for this to occur.

The final proposal for the Representation Review will be notified in the next few days for one month. Any appeals or objections will be forwarded to the Local Government Commission for determination.