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This map shows the place names given by tangata whenua throughout Te Waipounamu, before European settlement

This map shows the place names given by tangata whenua throughout Te Ika-a-Māui, before European settlement

A map of Māori place and feature names in Te Waipounamu South Island circa 1840. The index has their meanings where known, and their equivalent contemporary names, if any.

Index of names, their meanings where known and their equivalent names on contemporary mapping.

1st edition, 1995. Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa New Zealand Geographic Board contributed to a revised map and gazetteer compiled for the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) Asia South East and Pacific South West Division.

This Official Information Act (OIA) response released an excerpt from the 22 June 2023 minutes of Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa New Zealand Geographic Board relating to the proposal to alter Russell to Kororāreka.

Mount Misery to Maungatūtū, Clive River to Te Awa o Mokotūāraro and naming the newly formed lake Lake Te Horonui are just some of the decisions highlighted in the Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa New Zealand Geographic Board 2022/23 Annual Report – available here in both English and te reo Māori.

Notable moments in the 100 year history of place naming in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Details regarding NZGB nomination process for the appointment of Dr Michael Abbott as notified in Gazette Notice (2024-go4025) dated 19 August 2024.

This OIA response released the Pito One proposal form and supporting documents plus examples of objecting submissions.

This Official Information Act response released a more detailed summary of those objecting submissions from residents of Russell, who instead made alternative proposals to recognise both names, whether as a dual name, official alternative names, or without specifying how.

This OIA response provided all papers related to the Minister of Conservation’s decision on assigning Ototara Scientific Reserve, including the original proposal from the Department of Conservation.

Minister for Land Information’s decision on the New Zealand Geographic Board’s recommendation for the name restoration from Russell to Kororāreka.

Updated name for Ōpōtiki District Council

Updated name for Ōtorohanga District Council

Our strategy sets out our goals and objectives and how we will achieve them.

Consistent and accurate identification of place supports Antarctic science. Official place names assist with navigation and emergency responses including by use on topographic maps and hydrographic charts. They reflect our identity and represent New Zealand’s enduring connection to the region.

This policy specifies the New Zealand Geographic Board’s requirements for place or feature name proposals, including evidence required. Kia āta mārama ai ngā kōrero e hiahia ana te NZGB mō te tono ingoa wāhi, ingoa tārainga whenua, tae atu ki ngā taunakitanga ka hiahiatia.

A map of Māori place and feature names in Te Ika-a-Māui North Island circa 1840. The index on the back of the map has their meanings where known, and their equivalent contemporary names, if any.

This response released all supporting documents for the Board’s proposal report for Waimarino and Waimarino Station.

Information about the costs for producing the Tangata Whenua Place Names maps.

We were asked when the name of the partially submerged geological continent that New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and New Caledonia sit on changed from Zealandia to Te Riu-ā-Maui. We were asked who proposed the Māori name and whether the other countries on the continent were consulted.

This OIA response released Board research on the proposal to alter Petone to Pito One, a copy of the Briefing to the Minister with the Board’s decision, the returned copy with the Minister’s final determination with associated correspondence.

This OIA response released copies of the Briefing to the Minister with the Board’s decisions on the proposals to alter Takanini to Takaanini and Takanini Railway Station to Takaanini Railway Station. It also released all attachments to the briefing, associated correspondence, and advice about the Minister’s final determinations.

Our strategy sets out our goals and objectives and how we will achieve them.

The New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa (the Board) is New Zealand’s national place naming authority. This annual report covers the Board's activities for the year 2024/25.

This document outlines the policies, principles, guidelines, and practices of the New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa

The purpose of Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa Māori Language Plan is to be clear about the impact the Board has or can have in relation to language revitalisation.

The 2021/22 annual report of the New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa, which aims to secure and celebrate New Zealand’s unique identity through place names.

You can find specific place names in this list by using CTRL+F to search in sections below, available in both English and Te Reo Māori.

This Official Information Act response released copies of seven briefings to the Minister for Land Information, as sent, and as returned, for recent place name proposals. Part of the request was declined because one briefing had been released previously, and no briefing existed for one of the proposals.

One instance exists where matters relating to the NZGB were discussed