14 June 2007

Flat Bush confirmed as official name

Mayor of Manukau Sir Barry Curtis welcomes the decision released last week by the New Zealand Geographic Board which confirms that Flat Bush will continue to be called Flat Bush.

"The name Flat Bush has been used in this area for more than 130 years, and we are pleased that the Board has agreed with the council's decision last year. This decision will provide residents and businesses in the area with certainty over the name of the suburb they live and work in.

"After a year of discussion and debate over the name we can now focus on ensuring that New Zealand's largest planned town moves ahead, rather than continue to debate its name."

Manukau City Council first decided to formally name the area Flat Bush in 2000 following public consultation, however revisited the naming in early 2006 following a request by the Botany Community Board. Following submissions and hearings, the council confirmed Flat Bush as the preferred name, and forwarded the nomination to the New Zealand Geographic Board for acceptance.

The area known as Flat Bush is generally bounded by East Tamaki and Otara to the west, East Tamaki Heights in the north, Totara Heights in the south and to the east the low lying hills that also act as a natural boundary between the city's rural and urban areas.

Flat Bush includes a well-established urban area that is already home to approximately 18,000 people. The area is also home to New Zealand's largest planned development which covers 1700 hectares, and will result in an additional 15,000 residential homes, a new town centre and a 193 hectare park featuring a range of leisure and recreation facilities.

ENDS

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