A mountain in Fiordland National Park has been officially named Mount Kirk in honour of former Prime Minister Rt Hon Norman Kirk.
Minister for Land Information Hon Mike Butterick has confirmed the decision of Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa New Zealand Geographic Board to assign Mount Kirk as the official name of a previously unnamed 1,436-metre mountain near Lake Manapouri.
“Norman Kirk remains one of New Zealand’s most significant political figures and is remembered for his leadership, vision and commitment to public service,” Mr Butterick says.
“I am pleased that naming this mountain Mount Kirk recognises his contribution to New Zealand and commemorates a Prime Minister whose leadership left a lasting mark on the country.
“Fifty years on from his death in office, it is fitting that his legacy is reflected in an enduring feature of the New Zealand landscape.”
The proposal to name the mountain was submitted by two surviving members of the Guardians of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau. They noted Mr Kirk’s support for the preservation of the natural levels of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau and the establishment of the Guardians of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau in 1973.
The Save Manapouri campaign emerged in the late 1960s in response to plans to raise the levels of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau to support hydroelectric generation. Following the 1972 general election, Mr Kirk honoured a commitment to preserve the natural levels of the lakes and established the Guardians to provide independent oversight of their management.
The mountain is located on the western side of Percy Saddle, south of the West Arm of Lake Manapouri in Fiordland National Park and is now officially known as Mount Kirk.
A great man, one of the very very few.
I’m sure we can find some sewerage treatment plants and medical waste disposal facilities to name the current crop after when they finally kick off.