What was proposed?
The proposal was to change the name Russell to Kororāreka for the small township in the Bay of Islands, on the east coast of Northland Region.
Outcome
No change to the current name.
The Minister for Land information declined the proposal on 8 May 2025. The unofficial recorded name of the township remains Russell.
Reports
At its hui on 2 December 2022 the Board considered this proposal report. The proposal was notified for three months so that the public could make submissions supporting or objecting to the name.
At its hui on 22 June 2023 the Board considered this submissions report, which is updated with the Board’s decision. Because the Board didn’t agree with the objecting submissions received, it requested the Minister for Land Information make the final determination.
The Board reported its decision on the proposal to the current Minister for Land Information on 5 December 2023.
On 8 May 2025 the Minister made the final determination to decline the proposal. A copy of the briefing with the Minister’s final determination is released here.
Board minutes
Media
18 January 2023 media release – Proposed place name change for Kororāreka
23 May 2025 media release – Place naming decision: Russell
Proposed location of Kororāreka
