A decision on a controversial name proposed for Central Otago's highest unnamed peak has been delayed, the Minister for Land Information Maurice Williamson saying he needs more information to "fill the gaps".
The New Zealand Geographic Board supports the name Te Kohua for the 2307m peak, 30km from Cromwell, despite strong opposition. Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper and district councillors Gordon Stewart and Neil Gillespie are among the opponents.
Mr Williamson has the final say, after the board referred the matter to him.
In a report to Mr Williamson, the board said the name had the backing of Ngai Tahu. It defended its lack of consultation with the Central Otago District Council. Mr Williamson had now sought a "formal submission" from the district council before making his decision, Mr Lepper said yesterday.
"He said there's gaps in the information he's received so far on the subject and he wants a full report from the Central Otago District. We're pleased with his response." The council would consult the residents of the district as well as the local iwi, before reporting to the minister.
The board's preferred name, Te Kohua, comes from the Maori word for a three-legged iron cooking pot. The board said Ngai Tahu chief Reko guided Otago farmer Nathanael Chalmers through the Nevis Valley in 1853 and was paid with such a pot.
In its report to Mr Williamson, the board said if the proposal had been for a populated area it would have sought views directly from the council.
Mr Lepper and Mr Stewart met Mr Williamson last month to express their concerns.
They suggested an alternative name - Karearea, after the native falcon.
The board said the name Te Kohua "opened up a rich historical tale" but no associated story applied for the falcon.
