Name could revert to Macraes

The township of Macraes Flat could undergo another name change, back to what it was in the 1880s - Macraes.

Since then, the township has been officially gazetted at various times as being either Macraes or Macraes Flat, Macraes Flat being the present official name.

But resident Neil Roy, whose family has had ties with Macraes Flat for generations, has asked the New Zealand Geographical Board to change the name to Macraes.

The Waitaki District Council this week supported the request.

Mr Roy said there was confusion over the name.

He had no problem with Macraes Flat referring to the surrounding area, but did not believe the township should have the same name.

But, before any changes were made, the geographical board would consult the community and iwi.

The cost to the Waitaki council for new signs if the name was changed would be about $1200.

The Central Otago District Council would need to replace two finger signs at a cost of about $250, while the New Zealand Transport Agency faced replacing at least seven signs on State Highways 85 and 87.

 

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