Keep “Kamo” as Kamo

A local hapu is seeking to change the name and pronunciation of Kamo to “Te Kamo”.

They have started what they describe as a “conversation” and would like to engage with the community. Democracy Northland applauds the desire to have a conversation so we have started this petition to give a voice to those who want the name to remain as is.

The Whangarei District Council Mayor Sheryl Mai sees no need to ask the community what it thinks as she has already given her backing to the name change (Northern Advocate, 10 April). We say Mayor Mai should actually ask the community and those who live in Kamo what they think about the change. 

We are also calling on the three local councillors for the Kamo area to consult with their community in a genuine way. Crs Gavin Benney and Tricia Cutforth have already shown they have no regard for the communities view when it comes to the controversial issue of having Maori only seats on the local council. We are now asking them to do better when it comes to the name of the community they were elected to represent.

If enough people sign this petition we will be calling on the Whangarei District Council to oppose the name change and it will form the basis of a submission we make on behalf of the community calling on the New Zealand Geographic Board to reject the name change proposal. Kamo belongs to everyone. Make your voice heard.