The decision by the New Zealand Geographic Board to restore the "h" to Wanganui makes today a "great day" for the city, says Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia.
Mrs Turia welcomed the board's "historic" decision, which she believed righted a wrong which occurred many years ago.
"I have felt deeply moved by this decision, which confirms the wisdom of my tupuna, of my whakapapa, of the river, of the people," she said.
The board proposed the spelling be changed to Whanganui after local iwi committee Te Runanga O Tupoho petitioned for the change, a move vehemently opposed Wanganui mayor Michael Laws, who today labelled the decision "racist".
Any name change has yet to be approved by Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson, who may confirm, modify or reject it.
Mr Williamson said he expected to formally receive the board's recommendation in the next two to three weeks.
The report will include a summary of the submissions supporting and opposing the name change.
"I will be carefully considering the board's report and the submissions, after which I will make a decision. Until then I will not be making any further comment," Mr Williamson said. The board, which voted unanimously for the change, said there should be 12-month transition period.
The decision will anger a large number of residents of the riverside city. In a referendum held in May they overwhelmingly rejected the board's proposal.
Mrs Turia acknowledged it could take some effort to win over residents opposed to the change.
"The challenge we will all face now, is the vital need to bring all the people of Whanganui together in understanding the significance of this decision."
Mrs Turia said she applauded the tangata whenua of Whanganui for their patience in "seeking justice".
"This is a great day and I applaud the board members for such an historic decision."
Board chairman Don Grant said it considered all the submissions it received, and weighed up the community's views and the history and long-term usage of Wanganui.
Public submissions were relatively evenly split, with 444 opposed, and 436 in support. Nine were neutral.
If Mr Williamson confirmed Whanganui as official, government departments and local authorities that publish new/revised documents (such as maps, but also including web pages) would be expected to use the official name.
Private businesses and organisations could choose which spelling to adopt.
The exception would be publications produce for travellers or tourists, and geographic and scientific publications. They would have to adopt the "h" spelling.
NZPA
Listen to Chair of the Geographic Board Don Grant explain the decision on RadioLIVE.