A list of dual maori-English names are being proposed for 16 sounds and inlets in Fiordland.
Tourist in Milford Sound Photo: RNZ Insight / Belinda McCammon
The Geographic Board said restoring traditional Nagi Tahu names alongside well-known and established English names would recognise the significance of both names, and provide a window to rich stories, in both Maori and English.
Two well-known visitor destinations already have dual names - Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and Doubtful Sound/Patea.
The Geographic Board acknowledged that most of the sounds and inlets in Fiordland are, in strict geographic terms, fiords.
However, the Board agreed to retain 'sound' and 'inlet' in the proposed official names because of their long-established common use.
The proposals are to alter:
- Bligh Sound to Hāwea / Bligh Sound
- Nancy Sound to Hinenui / Nancy Sound
- Bradshaw Sound to Kaikiekie / Bradshaw Sound
- Edwardson Sound to Moana-whenua-pōuri / Edwardson Sound
- Preservation Inlet to Rakituma / Preservation Inlet
- Chalky Inlet to Taiari / Chalky Inlet
- Charles Sound to Taiporoporo / Charles Sound
- Caswell Sound to Taitetimu / Caswell Sound
- Dusky Sound to Tamatea / Dusky Sound
- Thompson Sound to Te Awa-o-Tū / Thompson Sound
- Long Sound to Te Awaroa / Long Sound
- Sutherland Sound to Te Hāpua / Sutherland Sound
- George Sound to Te Houhou / George Sound
- Cunaris Sound to Te Korowhakaunu / Cunaris Sound
- Breaksea Sound to Te Puaitaha / Breaksea Sound
- Dagg Sound to Te Rā / Dagg Sound
Consultation on the proposals is open from 20 May 2019 until 20 August 2019.