The Maori name, which translates to "hills of the gods," later became Dyers Pass in 1942, after well-known farmer John Dyer.
Mr Dyer owned several properties at Governors Bay and Lyttleton Harbour and offered to open up his 40ha farm for the government to build an official road, now Dyers Pass Rd, in 1859.
Now the popular travel route may have its Maori name restored.
The New Zealand Geographic Board is seeking feedback on the assignment or alteration for the names of 13 locations, requested by local hapu Rāpaki Rūnanga.
If approved, Dyers Pass would become a dual name with Pukeatua, used together as one name.
Eleven of the proposals are for the restoration of traditional Ngāi Tahu names alongside the current English names.
Cass Peak would be made into a dual name with Ōrongomai, which means “the place where voices are heard.”
Ōrongomai signifies a historic battle between Ngāi Tahu chief Te Rakiwhakaputa and tribal group Ngāti Māmoe, which could be heard by people nearby.
Adderley Head, a scenic reserve near Godley Head, would be run alongside the Maori name Te Piaka, which refers to the edible root or bulb of the bulrush plan.
Historic Maori names would also be added to existing names for King Billy Island, Mansons Peninsula, Coopers Knob, Evans Pass, Sugar Loaf, The Tors, Castle Rock and Witch Hill.
Two proposals are not for dual names as there are no English names for those features. These include changing Rapaki to Te Rāpaki-o-Te-Rakiwhakaputa and Rapaki Rock to Te Ahi-a-Tamatea.
An NZGB spokesperson said restoring traditional Ngāi Tahu names alongside well-known and established English names recognises the significance of both and provides a window into the heritage of both cultures.
Consultation on the proposals closes on December 20 and NZGB will consider submissions at its first meeting in 2020.
Submissions can be made at https://www.linz.govt.nz/regulatory/place-names/place-name-consultation, emailed to NZGBsubmissions@linz.govt.nz.
They also be posted to the Secretary of the New Zealand Geographic Board, c/o Land Information New Zealand, Box 5501, Wellington 6145.
