A plan to honour New Zealand’s longest-serving female mayor will now go out for public consultation after public opposition to the decision.
Since then the Southland District Council has received opposition to the plan from some members of the public and will now carry out a survey to gauge the views of the Te Anau community.
The official opening of a memorial to the life of Mrs Cardno erected in the reserve has since been postponed.
Fiordland Community Board chairwoman Sarah Greaney said the contention mainly hinged on the fact several families were involved in clearing the reserve site.
At the time, the board decided not to fully consult the public on the name idea, she said.
Debate on the matter had then moved to social media.
One of the family members involved in the clearing posted the reasoning behind their opposition.
They said as the park was created by the local community for all to enjoy, it should not be named after just one person.
Instead, as Mrs Cardno originally stood for council to be an advocate for a library to be built in Te Anau, it was better suited for the library be named after her.
Southland Mayor Gary Tong said the board was initially approached by a member of the public who had informally talked with the Cardno family, others in the community and residents of Fergus Sq and had their support.
Given the reserve had never been named, members of the community board followed the correct process and had the right intentions, Mr Tong said.
"It has since come to light some feel the reserve should not have been named, so we want to ensure everyone has the chance to have a say. We will also be talking with the runanga to find out their views and recommendations."
Mr Tong, who succeeded Mrs Cardno, paid for the memorial from his mayoral budget, which included site preparation and the creation and installation of the signs, pillars and seating.
The cost was about $15,000.
The project was a collaboration by council staff and the Cardno family and their friends.
