The question of whether to spell the name of the New Zealand river and city as “Wanganui” or “Whanganui” has been a subject of debate for many years. And it has interesting implications for online marketing!
The Māori name for the river is “Whanganui,” which means “long river.” However, the English spelling has varied over time. In the early days of European settlement, it was often spelled “Wanganui,” and this became the more common form through the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Whanganui River (James Shook)
A timeline of significant events in the name debate:
- 1960s: The Māori language began to experience a resurgence, and the correct spelling of Māori words became more widely recognised. This led to increased calls for the use of “Whanganui.”
- 1990s: The Whanganui River Claims Settlement Act was passed, recognising the river as a legal person with its own rights. The Act included the Māori spelling “Whanganui.”
- 2017: The Whanganui River Claims Settlement Act came into force, officially recognising “Whanganui” as the correct spelling of the river’s name.
- 2018: The city of Wanganui officially changed its name to Whanganui, aligning with the river’s name.
Whanganui, New Zealand (Jared Pellow)
The change to “Whanganui” is seen as a significant step towards recognising the importance of Māori culture and language in New Zealand. It also reflects a growing understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the Whanganui River.
Impact on Digital/Online Marketing
While the change has been in place for some years now, it’s taking time for people to adjust to the new spelling. Even though the city is officially called Whanganui, many people still search for services using the old spelling, ‘Wanganui’.
This creates a unique challenge for local businesses trying to be found online, such as plumbers.
Although Google treats both spellings, Wanganui and Whanganui, as meaning the same place, more people still search for plumbing services using the old name. On Google it works out as:
- Plumbers Whanganui = 110 searches per month
- Plumbers Wanganui = 320 searches per month
For a plumber in Whanganui, it’s vital to recognise both the cultural importance of using the correct spelling and the current search behaviour of potential customers. While ‘Whanganui plumber’ aligns with the official spelling, optimising content to also reflect ‘Wanganui plumber’ helps ensure no potential customers are missed during this transition period.
This means businesses need to be smart about how they make sure potential customers can find them, whether they’re using the new spelling or the old one.
A plumber in Whanganui might choose to use both spellings on their website, mentioning both ‘Wanganui plumber’ and ‘Whanganui plumber’ to show up for everyone, regardless of how people search. They might also include both versions of the name in their Google listing and other online directories, so no matter how people search, they can easily find the right business.
This approach helps make sure that as more people start using the correct spelling, a business will still be visible to both old and new searches. It’s a way to respect the new name while also recognising that habits take time to change.
MB Plumbing, Trusted Plumbers in Whanganui (Wanganui)
MB Plumbing is a name Wanganui locals have trusted for over 40 years. Whether you spell it Wanganui or Whanganui, we’ve been serving this community through name changes, weather events, and everything in between.
We’re a family-run business based at 62 Bell Street, Whanganui, covering the full region for both residential and commercial work. Our team of licensed plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers handles everything from a dripping tap to a full central heating installation. You can see the full range of plumbing services we offer here.
We’re also on call around the clock for plumbing emergencies across the Wanganui region. Burst pipe, blocked drain, hot water failure, if it can’t wait, neither can we.
If you’re new to the area or just want to know what to watch out for in a Wanganui home, our guide on top plumbing mistakes Wanganui homeowners make is a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you service the full Whanganui region?
Yes. We cover the full Whanganui region regardless of which spelling you use.
Are you available for after-hours plumbing emergencies in Wanganui?
Yes. MB Plumbing operates 24/7 for emergencies across the Wanganui region. If you need help, reach out to us today.
How do I book a plumber in Wanganui?
Call us on 06 345 7111 or email info@mbplumbing.co.nz.
What plumbing services do you offer in Wanganui?
We cover the full range, repairs, maintenance, hot water systems, bathroom renovations, gasfitting, drainlaying, roof leaks, central heating, commercial plumbing, and 24/7 emergencies.
Get in Touch with Your Local Wanganui Plumbers
Whatever spelling you use, MB Plumbing is here when you need us. We’ve been part of this community for over four decades and we’re not going anywhere.
Request a Quote or call us direct on 06 345 7111.
