Naming is settler sovereignty: Neil Lindsay, Robin Kearns, ‘The New Zealand Geographic Board and the Contested Nature of Place Names in New Zealand’, in Gerry O’Reilly (ed.), Place Naming, Identities and Geography: Critical Perspectives in a Globalizing and Standardizing World, Springer, 2023, pp. 241-257 | settler colonial studies blog

Naming is settler sovereignty: Neil Lindsay, Robin Kearns, ‘The New Zealand Geographic Board and the Contested Nature of Place Names in New Zealand’, in Gerry O’Reilly (ed.), Place Naming, Identities and Geography: Critical Perspectives in a Globalizing and Standardizing World, Springer, 2023, pp. 241-257

11Apr23

Abstract: Processes of naming the landscape are inherently political as how, why, and what names are used can create conflict between competing groups, beliefs or ideas. This chapter examines place names in New Zealand and how they are implemented and changed. In doing so, we detail the work of the New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa and how decisions for place names are made. We assert that naming practices in New Zealand have evolved in response to social and political shifts since the 1970s particularly with changes in attitude towards restoring indigenous Māori rights and the importance of place names as ‘taonga’ (treasures), giving practical and tangible effect to the Treaty of Waitangi principles of participation, protection and partnership. We detail the key issues surrounding the politics of place names in New Zealand, using case studies of recent place name changes. We also examine how the New Zealand Geographic Board reflects broader changes to New Zealand society.

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