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Whanganui River - Source: ONE News -
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Students at Otaki School are over the moon about the Geographic Board's recommendation that Wanganui should be spelt with the "h".
Students made headlines last month after they wrote letters to Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws, telling him how they thought the city's name should be spelt.
The board had proposed that the spelling be changed to Whanganui after local iwi committee Te Runanga O Tupoho petitioned for the change, a move vehemently opposed by district Laws.
The students were upset when Laws replied to them in an abusive letter, suggesting their teacher be sacked and that they control their anger.
Twelve-year-old Te Rangimohia Nikora-Davis says the class was just about to do maths on Thursday when their teacher got the word about the board's decision.
She says they started jumping up and down and even though it's not official yet, they are really happy.
Nikora-Davis says her classmates have written thank-you letters to those who supported them over the run-in with Laws.
Laws says the decision is wrong saying it has been made by a "unelected, unrepresentative, uncaring and unthinking organisation".
It is now up to Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson to make the final decision on a recommendation from the Geographic Board.
What do you think of the decision? Should there be an "h" or not? Have your say on the messageboard below.
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