The New Zealand Geographic Board (NZGB) made a proposal at the end of last year to change the spelling of three unofficially recorded names in South Otago.
It said the spelling of the Tokomairiro River, Tokomairiro River East Branch and Tokomairiro River West Branch were incorrect and should be spelled "Tokomairaro''.
It claimed "Tokomairaro'' appeared in early historical documents.
Milton Historical Society member Nancie Allison did not agree and made a submission to the board against the name change.
"The earliest maps I've found only ever have an ‘i','' she said.
Diaries from Dr David Monro, who accompanied surveyor Frederick Tuckett on his 1844 inspection of Otago, "almost certainly'' showed the earliest spelling as Tokomairiro.
Mrs Allison disagreed with the investigation by the Maori names committee which said the "Tokomairaro'' spelling was correct as confirmed by the board's Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu member.
She said a member of the historical society spoke with local Maori who agreed Tokomairiro was right.
Different dialects existed in different regions, she said.
Early European settlers recorded the name as it was spoken as there was no written record by Maori.
"It's been spelt that way for so long that [changing] it is ridiculous,'' she said.
Mrs Allison was also concerned about the cost to local businesses if signs had to be corrected.
Tokomairiro High School ex-pupil Dawn Williams also made an opposing submission, on behalf of herself and other ex-pupils.
She said the board had misinterpreted the information and not "done their homework properly''.
"Let's not be silly ... Tokomairiro has been here forever.''
Both groups believed the board should respect the 19th-century spelling local iwi used and retain the present name.
The NZGB will meet on April 20 to consider the submissions.
If it is swayed by the objections, it can decide not to change the name.
If it disagrees with objections, the proposals will be referred to the Minister for Land Information for a decision.
