The New Zealand Geographic Board, the countrys statutory naming authority, has submitted for public consultation a proposal to formally endorse use of the alternate Maori names of what are now simply called North Island and South Island -- Te Ika-a-Maui and Te Waipounamu, respectively.

Te Ika-a-Maui means the fish of Maui, while Te Waipounamu translates to the waters of greenstone (a reference to jade found in abundance on the southern island).

TV-NZ reported that once the measure is passed both the English and Maori names would be used together or individually.

Interestingly, the current English names of the two islands have never actually been official despite their long-term common usage, according to NZGBs chairman, Dr. Don Grant.

"This is a matter of great historical and cultural significance for New Zealand, so we want to consult with the wider New Zealand public," Grant told the Daily Telegraph.

"This is part of our country's history of European exploration and the settlement of New Zealand The NZGB agreed in principle ... both islands should also be assigned Maori alternative names, and that all of the names should be formalized at the same time," he said.

NZGB also noted that the Maori names had been in common use on official government maps until the 1950s it is unknown why that practice stopped.

The Telegraph also said Maori groups in the country have welcomed the name additions, but that it may trigger some controversy among the dominant white population.

According to the CIA World Factbook, almost 60 percent of New Zealanders are descended from Europeans, while Maoris account for about 7.4 percent of the population.

However, David Shearer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, supports the naming measures.

Read the original here:

New Zealand’s Islands May Be Rechristened Under Old Maori Names