Wanganui is expected to turn into Whanganui today, but the extra ‘h’ will only be part of a compromise.
According to the New Zealand Herald Government agencies will have to use the new spelling but private individuals and businesses will have a choice.
Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson is in Wanganui today and will announce the decision at about 11:30am.
3news.co.nz will stream the announcement live.
The solution is understood to be similar to the compromises reached over Aorangi/Mt Cook and Mt Egmont/Mt Taranaki.
The ‘h’ debate has been a sore point for Wanganui over the past year – with Mayor Michael Laws outspoken in his opposition to the change.
Two referendums on the issue, in 2006 and this year, were in favour of retaining the Wanganui spelling.
3 News