Notice of the Decision of the Minister of Lands re. the Assigning of Place Names Pursuant to section 12 of the New Zealand Geographic Board Act 1946, notice was given on the 20 June 1996 of the intention of the New Zealand Geographic Board to change the names of Somes Island to Matiu Island and Ward Island to Makaro Island. Both islands are located within Wellington Harbour. Objections were received to the proposed change of name and were dealt with pursuant to section 13 of the said Act. I hereby declare that it is my decision that the name of these islands shall be Matiu/Somes Island and Makaro/Ward Island and that this decision shall take effect on the 6th day of March 1997. Name Description of Place Wellington Land District Matiu/Somes Island Island in Wellington Harbour. Topographic map 260 R27 Wellington, GR 663924, change from Somes Island. Makaro/Ward Island Island in Wellington Harbour. Topographic map 260 R27 Wellington, GR 667886, change from Ward Island. Dated at Wellington this 12th day of June 1997. J. LUXTON, Minister of Lands.