The New Zealand Geographic Board Nga Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa (NZGB) is inviting submissions on proposals to create dual Maori–English names for 16 sounds and inlets in Fiordland.

The NZGB says restoring traditional Ngai Tahu names alongside well-known and established English names will recognise the significance of both names and provide a window to rich stories in both Māori and English.

Two of Fiordland's most popular destinations, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and Doubtful Sound/Patea, already have dual names.

The NZGB acknowledges that most of the sounds and inlets in Fiordland are, in strict geographic terms, fiords. 

However, the Board agreed to retain "Sound" and "Inlet" in the proposed official names because of their long-established common use.

The proposals are to alter:

Bligh Sound to Hāwea / Bligh Sound; Nancy Sound to Hinenui / Nancy Sound; Bradshaw Sound to Kaikiekie / Bradshaw Sound; Edwardson Sound to Moana-whenua-pōuri / Edwardson Sound; Preservation Inlet to Rakituma / Preservation Inlet; Chalky Inlet to Taiari / Chalky Inlet; Charles Sound to Taiporoporo / Charles Sound; Caswell Sound to Taitetimu / Caswell Sound; Dusky Sound to Tamatea / Dusky Sound; Thompson Sound to Te Awa-o-Tū / Thompson Sound; Long Sound to Te Awaroa / Long Sound; Sutherland Sound to Te Hāpua / Sutherland Sound; George Sound to Te Houhou / George Sound; Cunaris Sound to Te Korowhakaunu / Cunaris Sound; Breaksea Sound to Te Puaitaha / Breaksea Sound; Dagg Sound to Te Rā / Dagg Sound

Consultation on the proposals is open from May 20, 2019 until August 20, 2019. Submissions supporting or objecting to any or all of these proposals can be made online, emailed to [email protected], or posted to The Secretary of the New Zealand Geographic Board, c/o Land Information New Zealand, PO Box 5501, Wellington 6145.

The NZGB is expected to consider submissions at its next meeting following consultation, in October 2019.