23 May 2019

The Maniapoto Māori Trust Board (MMTB) have held several consultation hui over the past two months with Rereahu and the local community, discussing the dual name application of Maniaiti/Benneydale.

A general consensus has now been reached from the hui, supporting the dual name application to the New Zealand Geographic Board (NZGB).

Te Maru o Rereahu Iwi Trust (Representative body for Rereahu) spokesperson, Eric Crown, has talked about the history of the name Maniaiti, noting that all names have a kōrero behind them. “The name Benneydale isn’t going anywhere, we’re only asking for the traditional Māori name to go alongside it. It gives recognition to our history and the kōrero associated with it.”

MMTB Chair, Tiwha Bell is satisfied MMTB have engaged in an open and transparent manner throughout all hui held, and is pleased of the final outcome to proceed with the application.

“We are pleased Rereahu whānau have directed the MMTB to proceed with a dual name application, which was also supported by a well attended meeting of the local community in Benneydale. We now await the NZGB decision to be made in June, and anticipate a positive outcome of a dual name for Maniaiti/Benneydale.”

ends

© Scoop Media