New Zealand Geographic Board facts for kids
| Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1946 |
| Preceding agency |
|
| Jurisdiction | New Zealand |
| Headquarters | Radio New Zealand House, 155 The Terrace, Wellington 41°16′53″S 174°46′33″E / 41.281299°S 174.775862°E |
| Parent agency | Land Information New Zealand |
The New Zealand Geographic Board (NZGB) is also known by its Māori name, Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa. Think of them as the official namers of places in New Zealand!
This board was set up by a special law in 2008, which updated an older law from 1946. Even though it works independently, it reports to the Minister for Land Information.
Before the NZGB was officially formed, there was a group called the Geographical Advisory Board. This group started in 1924 and helped with naming places. It had seven members, including important people like Herbert Williams and Elsdon Best.
Contents
What the Board Does
The New Zealand Geographic Board is in charge of naming many different places. This includes geographical names and names for water areas in New Zealand and its surrounding waters.
Naming Places in New Zealand
The Board names all sorts of natural features. This includes:
- Small towns and communities
- Local areas
- Mountains
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Waterfalls
- Harbours
They also do research to find and use local Māori names for places.
Naming Places in Antarctica
The Board's work isn't just limited to New Zealand! They have also named many geographical features in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica.
What the Board Does NOT Name
It's important to know what the Board does not name. They do not change street names; that's a job for local councils. They also don't name entire countries.
The Board only deals with official place names. Many well-known places, like most towns, cities, and large bodies of water, don't actually have "official" names. This is because their names haven't been written into law or confirmed by special agreements.
How the Board Works
The New Zealand Geographic Board gets help from a team called the secretariat. This team is part of Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). They provide the Board with support, help with research, and offer advice.
Who is on the Board?
The New Zealand Geographic Board has a mix of people with different skills and backgrounds. This helps them make good decisions about place names.
Board Members
According to the law from 2008, the Board includes:
- The Surveyor-General of New Zealand: This person is appointed by LINZ and leads the Board as its Chair.
- The National Hydrographer: This person is also appointed by LINZ and is an expert in mapping water areas.
- Eight other members: These members are chosen by the Minister for Land Information.
Special Representatives
Among the eight members chosen by the Minister, there are important representatives from different groups:
- Two people recommended by the Minister of Māori Development.
- A representative from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, a major Māori tribe.
- A representative from the New Zealand Geographical Society, which is a group of geography experts.
- A representative from the Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ, who know a lot about New Zealand's mountains.
- A representative from Local Government New Zealand, who understand how local councils work.
