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Part 2Naming of geographic features and Crown protected areas
Process for naming geographic features: Process for approval of proposal

16Notification of proposal

  1. This section and sections 17 to 21 apply, in relation to a geographic feature within the territorial limits of New Zealand, to a proposal for an official geographic name—

  2. submitted to the Board under section 15; or
    1. made by the Board under section 10(1)(a) to (d) (unless the exceptions provided for under subpart 2 apply).

      1. Subject to section 24, before the Board assigns, approves, or alters an official geographic name or recorded name, or discontinues the use of an official geographic name or recorded name, the Board must give public notice of the proposal—

      2. in the Gazette; and
        1. as soon as practicable after it has been gazetted, at least once—
          1. in a newspaper, periodical publication, or other news publication that circulates nationally, or by any other practicable means (including electronic media); and
            1. in a publication that circulates particularly in the area relevant to the proposal.

            2. The notices must, in each case, specify—

            3. the geographic feature and the name proposed for it; and
              1. the date by which submissions must be received by the Board (which must not be sooner than 1 month after the date of the public notice given under subsection (2)(b)); and
                1. the manner in which submissions must be given; and
                  1. the contact details of the Board.

                    Compare
                    Notes
                    • Section 16(2): amended, on , by section 107 of the Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74).