place names – The Spinoff

Is it time to start calling ourselves ‘Aotearoa New Zealand’?

12 May 2019 by Lewis Holden

A petition to include ‘Aotearoa’ in New Zealand’s name attracted more than 6,000 signatures and has now been presented to parliament. Lewis Holden from Change the NZ Flag explains why he’s backing the idea. Before I go any further, yes it’s me, the change the flag and change the head of state guy, at it … Read more

‘Pākehā place names come and go. Māori names endure.’

26 November 2017 by Nadine Anne Hura

Nadine Millar writes a love letter to her beloved Porirua, and asks ‘What’s in a name?’ A few years ago, in 1994, a local businessman started an unsuccessful campaign to change the name of Porirua. Chris Gollins, a real estate consultant and media personality, felt that businesses were put off coming to the city because they baulked … Read more