A suburb in Manurewa is one step closer to winning its fight to becoming officially recognised.
The Hillpark shops Photo: Rowan Quinn / RNZ
New Zealand Geographic Board (NZGB) Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa is calling for public submissions on officially assigning the locally used name of Hillpark.
Resident Dmitri Mayster has lived in the area for four years and has been one of those campaigning to get the suburb officially named.
Mayster said having an official name would solidify the suburb's unique identity
"If you ask any of the people who live here where they live, they will tell you they live in Hillpark," he said.
"But if you go and check the maps, you probably won't find it. It doesn't exist [as an] official name."
NZGB secretary Wendy Shaw said the NZGB wants to hear from all who want to have a say about this name proposal, especially from those in the community most affected.
"We encourage active participation by everyone to help the NZGB make a decision that is right for the community, follows good naming practice, is meaningful and is enduring,"
The NZGB considered a Hillpark Residents' Association proposal to make official the suburb name at its July meeting this year.
The Association described its unique natural and heritage characteristics which have helped build a suburban identity and which should be recognised.
The name derives from 'The Hill', a homestead build in 1910 and rebuilt in 1925, and in reference to the stands of regenerated native forest that were retained as parks.
Key factors in accepting the proposal included the long-term local use of the name dating back to 1961 when it was first developed, support from Manurewa Local Board, and support from residents including a petition with over 360 signatories and consensus on the proposed suburb boundaries.
The proposed boundaries for Hillpark generally follow Puhinui Creek to the north, State Highway 1 (Auckland Motorway) to the east, Alfriston Road to the south and Great South Road to the west.
Public consultation is open between 9 September and 9 November, 2020.