Rimutaka is now Remutaka - depending on the context. News coverage of the all too common accidents that happen over Remutaka Hill, is inevitably followed by a flurry of complainants insisting the reporter has made a spelling error. It begs the question, do enough people know the significance of Remutaka with an 'e'? The Geographic Board first recognised the spelling in 2015 when it changed the name for the Remutaka Pass. The hills get their name from Haunui-a-Nanaia, who according to the kōrero of his journey across the southern North Island took a moment to soak in the ranges - "remu" means "to gaze about" and "taka" means "to sit down".

Source: Stuff October 15, 2018 02:26 UTC