By Dan Parker
The incorporation of a macron in the new Kapiti Coast District Council logo has upset a ratepayer who says Kapiti is in danger of being the new Whanganui.
Martin Warriner says the council has made the change without consulting any ratepayers, and it is just plain wrong - with which some experts agree.
It is normally a rates increase that upsets Mr Warriner when he hears from the council, but after receiving the district plan review it was a very different addition that concerned him.
"Since I've been here, and long before I came it was known as Kapiti, spelt without a macron," he says. "We don't need a macron."
Mr Warriner says the addition of the macron above the a in Kapiti is like the 'h' in Whangnui, and will cost ratepayers tens of thousands of dollars in updated signage on buildings and cars - but the council disputes that.
Chief executive Pat Dougherty says the new logo will be phased in at no cost, and will only lead to one major change.
"We are not saying the name has changed - we are just simply saying this is how you pronounce our name, and we are not asking that it look different on any maps and anything like that."
A good look around Kapiti proved that - not one sign 3 News saw had a macron.
The council says it is making the change on the advice of local iwi consultants. In written Maori, macrons are used to indicate the correct pronunciation of the vowel. But unfortunately for the pedants, the little line causing a big fuss won't stop many people pronouncing the Kapiti Coast, the "kappity" coast.
"I think it's political correctness gone mad," says Mr Warriner.
The Maori Language Commission supports Mr Warriner's argument.
No one was available to appear on camera, but a spokeswoman told 3 News there is no record or reason to incorporate a macron, other than opinion.
3 News