Legal battle a possibility as passions flare

The final decision on Victoria University of Wellington’s controversial name change could be ‘‘legally challenged’’.

Yesterday, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said he was not willing to put a deadline on his decision to change or keep the capital university’s name.

‘‘I am aware there are some passionate views on both sides of this argument. Whichever way I decide, there’s potential it’s going to be legally challenged.’’

The academic institution moved a step closer to becoming the University of Wellington and adopting a new Ma¯ ori name of Te Herenga Waka after the university’s council voted in favour of changing its name on September 24.

Hipkins, who has the final sign-off on whether to drop ‘‘Victoria’’, wants to take his time and refused to ‘‘put a deadline on it’’.He said the fact any decision he made could have legal ramifications meant he wanted to ensure he followed ‘‘a good, robust process’’.

‘‘It’s a bit of a backwards and forwards on advice ... I will do it as quickly as I can.’’

Hipkins said he was waiting on more information from the Ministry of Education before he moved forward with his decision-making process.

He would consider the university’s application for a name change against the Government’s stipulated criteria and legal advice.

University council members Traci Houpapa and Farib Sos voted against changing the name during September’s deliberations. Chancellor Neil PaviousSmith, and members John Allen, Isabella Lenihan-Ikin, Carwyn Jones, prochancellor Dame Therese Walsh, Robyn Bargh, Alexandria Mark, Alan Judge and Kate Hunter voted ‘‘yes’’ for University of Wellington, Te Herenga Waka.