New Transport Minister Simeon Brown has asked the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), also known as Waka Kotahi, to use its English name first.
At a recent presentation Chief Executive Nicole Rosie highlighted the minister’s preference for the agency to be addressed with its English name taking precedence, followed by the Māori name.
Therefore, the agency will be officially referred to as “New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.”
During a post-cabinet media conference, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledged the change and hinted at more details to be unveiled in the coming month. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that New Zealanders can easily navigate through various government departments and agencies.
This move marks a reversal of the changes implemented in August 2019 when “Waka Kotahi” became the primary name for NZTA, alongside alterations to the agency’s logo. The recent directive aligns with the coalition agreement made with New Zealand First, where all public service departments were to have their primary names in English, except for those specifically related to Māori.
