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Review of the New Zealand Geographic Board Act 1946 (repealed)

New Zealand Geographic Board logo.A review of the New Zealand Geographic Board Act 1946 (repealed) was commenced in 2003. The outcome of this review was the New Zealand Geographic Board (Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa) Act 2008 which came into force on 1 November 2008 (with the exception of sections 32 and 33 which will come into force at a later date). This page provides a background to the review, a description of the main outcomes from it, and a number of resources relating to it.

Background to the review

Put into place over 60 years ago, the 1946 Act was an enlightened piece of legislation for its time. However the 1946 Act was not updated to take into account subsequent changes that affected its jurisdictional, consultative and administrative provisions.

In June 2005, Cabinet agreed on policy proposals for a new Act. The New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa (NZGB) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 19 July 2007, and on 7 August 2007, the Bill was referred to the Government Administration Select Committee. It was enacted on 22 May 2008, and came into force (with the exception of sections 32 and 33) on 1 November 2008.

The review of the Act aimed to:

  • clarify the jurisdiction of the NZGB
  • revise procedures for public participation in the place-naming process
  • consider the composition and membership of the NZGB
  • ensure the provisions of the Act align more clearly with the Treaty of Waitangi
  • modernise the Act's administrative and procedural provisions.

Key proposals of the review

Changing jurisdiction

Under the 1946 Act, the NZGB was responsible for naming all geographic features (including undersea features within the 12 nautical mile territorial limit).  With the continental shelf defined, opportunity existed to extend New Zealand's naming rights over an area 24 times the size of New Zealand.

The review found that since the 1946 Act was passed, New Zealand had become more involved in administration of the Ross Dependency (including survey, mapping and charting activities) while strengthening the Antarctic Treaty System established in 1959.

Definition of New Zealand

The review proposed to include a definition of New Zealand in the revised legislation and extend the NZGB's jurisdiction under the Act to include its interests in the naming of geographic and undersea features within the continental shelf area and in the Ross Dependency.  Note: While the 2008 Act extends the NZGB's jurisdiction, it does not define New Zealand.

Ensure consistency in naming

The review considered whether responsibility for administrative names should be formally devolved to territorial authorities (for suburb and locality names) and the Department of Conservation (for Crown protected area names). Both now come within the NZGB's jurisdiction under the 2008 Act.

The review also considered whether it is necessary to establish protocols and standards to ensure consistent administrative area naming by territorial authorities and the Department of Conservation.

Consultation processes

The 1946 Act did not expressly spell out the right of individuals and organisations to make place name proposals to the NZGB, although many already do so. The review proposed that the 1946 Act be changed to explicitly ensure such a right.

Since its inception, the NZGB has paid attention to Māori place names, with a consultation process for Māori place names evolving in recent years.

However, in the past there was a different consultation process for place names established under the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process. The review proposed that under the 2008 Act, comments and advice on these place names would go through the NZGB's usual consultation process before being incorporated into a deed of settlement.  Note: The 2008 Act has not made a provision for public notification of proposed Treaty Settlement names.

To enable iwi to communicate directly with the NZGB, the review also proposed that consultation with Māori be carried out by members or staff of the NZGB.

Board membership & administration

The review proposed changes to the NZGB's composition and administration. The review also noted that:

  • expansion of the NZGB's jurisdiction and activities might justify an increase in the number of board members
  • the type of people appointed and the way they are appointed might also need to change.

Review news & documents

 
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