What's in a name? Have your say on our city's places and spaces

Published on 05 November 2026

From the streets we live on to the parks we love, the names of our public places help tell Palmerston North's story.

We're proposing to update the way we name our streets, parks, suburbs and Council facilities, and we'd like to know what you think.

Our current naming rules are spread across three older policies, some dating back more than 20 years. We're proposing to replace these with two updated policies to make naming decisions clearer, more consistent and better connected to our city's identity.

What we're proposing

Under the proposed new Naming Policy, names would need a local connection and reflect things like te reo Māori, local history, community contributions, natural features or our city's cultural diversity.

The changes would also see Rangitāne o Manawatū involved earlier in relevant naming decisions, with priority given to names gifted by iwi for places of cultural significance.

We're also proposing to update our Naming Rights Policy, which covers arrangements where businesses, organisations or donors are recognised in the names of Council facilities.

The changes would open up more opportunities for commercial and philanthropic partnerships, including at cultural and other public venues, while making it clearer which organisations can hold naming rights.

Why names matter

General Manager of Strategic Planning David Murphy says names are much more than just labels.

"The names we give our public places are usually long-held and enduring. They reflect our history, culture, people and the things that make our city special."

"We want to make sure we have a clear, consistent way of choosing names that reflect those connections, while recognising how our city continues to grow and change."

Mr Murphy says it's important the community helps shape the final policies.

"Everyone has places around the city that mean something to them. We want to know what matters to people when it comes to naming those places, and whether we've got the balance right."

"This is your chance to help shape how we choose names that will be part of Palmerston North's story for years to come."

Have your say

Consultation closes on Tuesday 8 December 2026.

Read the proposed policies and make a submission through our naming consultation page.

Have your say on the proposed naming policies

Also open for feedback

We've also reviewed our Signs and Use of Public Places Bylaw and decided to make no changes.

If you'd like to learn about the review or make a submission, visit our Signs and Use of Public Places Bylaw consultation page.

Have your say on the Signs and Use of Public Places Bylaw