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31 March 2009
MEDIA RELEASE
MICHAEL LAWS
MAYOR
WANGANUI DISTRICT COUNCIL
It is Wanganui’s name, it is Wanganui’s decision
The naming of Wanganui is a decision that belongs to the citizens of Wanganui.
That is the view of Wanganui mayor Michael Laws who said today that a special council meeting next Monday afternoon “will consider a proposal to update the council’s 2006 mandate and seek fresh guidance from our constituents.”
“ In this entire debate, the views of ordinary people have been overlooked and disregarded.
“ It will be my proposal that we empower Wanganui citizens by seeking their declarative judgement. The most effective way would be through a district-wide referendum – held in conjunction with our draft Ten Year Plan consultation.”
A referendum in 2006 attracted a 55% turn-out with 82% of that number voting for the status quo.
“ I believe that most people in Wanganui have a view – and they want their say. I intend that we give every citizen a voice. That is their right and our responsibility.”
Mayor Laws was critical of the NZ Geographic Board’s decision to seek a name change saying that the composition of the board “reads like a who’s who in political correctness. They didn’t approach this issue with an open mind – that much is evident by the resolutions passed.”
“ I want to make this plain. Maori did not have a written language when Europeans arrived. Some tribes had quite distinct dialects and Wanganui was one of them. The spelling of Wanganui – in its current form – reflects that dialect.
“ Since then 170 years of usage has given Wanganui its own identity and its own unique mana. Wanganui is our customary right – if you want a Treaty reference. It has been created and endured through generation after generation to claim its own place, independent of its Maori origins.”
ENDS
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