A simple question turned into widespread discussion when the Maniototo Community Board met last week.

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan asked board members if they thought a survey being compiled as part of the upcoming representation review should include a question around the spelling of Maniototo.

The question, if included, would ask ‘should the spelling of Maniototo be changed to Māniatoto.

“I just want to be really clear of the question that I’m asking here. The paper we’ve got coming up is whether the questions that we’re going to go out to the public with are the right questions,” he said.

“So, I’m not wanting the answer to the question, but what I want from the board is to know whether the board thinks it’s appropriate that the question is in there, or not.”

Mayor Tim said the spelling change, if it came into effect, would only be for council related representation.

“So, we’re not talking about should we change the spelling of Maniototo full stop. It’s whether the Maniototo Community Board and Maniototo Ward’s name should be changed in the spelling.”

Three board members, Rebecca McAuley, Robert Hazlett and Duncan Helm, supported the question being included in the survey.

“There’s no harm in asking,” Duncan said.

Stu Duncan thought the question should not be included.

Mayor Tim said people who complete the survey would have to sign in so all responses could be tracked geographically.

He also made it clear that if a change came into effect it would not be a widespread blanket change that would affect businesses and street names.

The survey is put out to the community every six years and includes a range of questions around the number of elected members, ward boundaries and ward names.

Further discussion about the survey will take place when the Central Otago District Council meets today.