Annual Report 2010 - 2011 of the New Zealand Geographic Board

The New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa

New Zealand’s National Place Naming Authority

Our aims

Place names are widely used by the community, businesses, travellers, local authorities and central government, and are particularly important for emergency services and maritime safety. In its official place naming role, the Board aims to ensure:

  • features and places within New Zealand’s jurisdiction are identifiable by name so that people can effectively communicate information about location, and
  • place names preserve New Zealand’s heritage and culture.

Our work

  • The Board’s work involves assigning new names for geographic features and places, changing or discontinuing current ones, and approving recorded names already in common use.
  • Anyone can propose a name for a geographic feature or place. The Board uses a number of criteria to make decisions on proposals, and encourages those making place name proposals within New Zealand to consult with local communities and iwi to help the Board make informed decisions.
  • Place names identify where people are as they go about their everyday business. They are a component of New Zealand’s infrastructure, and most importantly they matter in emergency situations.
  • Beyond this, place names are important landmarks of the history and culture of our nation and communities, and they honour the people who live in New Zealand.

Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa
The Memorial Markers of the Landscape

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