New Zealand Geographic Board is considering an application from Maniapoto Māori Trust Board to change Benneydale's name to a dual name of Benneydale/Maniaiti. A debate over the town's name has emerged since the Maniapoto Māori Trust Board applied to the New Zealand Geographic Board in 2018 for a dual name of Benneydale/Maniaiti. Maniapoto Māori Trust Board chair R. Tiwha Bell said Maniaiti is a name of cultural and historical significance for Rereahu and Maniapoto, and is the name of the hill immediately behind Benneydale. Maniapoto Māori Trust Board held a public meeting three days before the geographic board was supposed to make a decision, he said. He was glad to see further public consultation between Maniapoto Māori Trust Board and the community was occurring.

Source: Stuff April 23, 2019 05:15 UTC