The name was accepted after a brief discussion at the Dunedin City Council this week, but the vote was 9-6.
Cr Brent Weatherall was disappointed the library component was named separately from the full complex — Te Whata o Kaituna.
"I would be much happier if Kaituna was incorporated into the library’s name," he said.
South Dunedin Community Library was a rather boring name, he said.
Cr Christine Garey said not using Te Whata o Kaituna, the name given by mana whenua, was an opportunity lost.
Cr Mandy Mayhem felt the situation was a bit insulting.
The council decided in June to accept the name Te Whata o Kaituna for the full building, but to run targeted consultation about naming the library component South Dunedin Community Library.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said at the time this would bring an ideal balance between Māori and English.
The council then confirmed on Wednesday the name for the library portion of the complex.
The two-storey complex in King Edward St is due to open in spring.
■ That the council confirms South Dunedin Community Library as the name for the library housed in the new Te Whata o Kaituna complex:
For (9): Mayor Jules Radich, Crs Bill Acklin, Sophie Barker, Kevin Gilbert, Cr Carmen Houlahan, Cherry Lucas, Jim O’Malley, Lee Vandervis, Andrew Whiley.
Against (6): Crs David Benson-Pope, Christine Garey, Marie Laufiso, Mandy Mayhem, Steve Walker, Brent Weatherall.
