Wellington, Oct 10 (IANS): New Zealand Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson has approved alternative Maori names for the North and South Islands.

The alternative names are Te Ika a Maui, meaning the fish of Maui, for the North Island and Te Wai Pounamu, or the waters of greenstone, for the South Island, Xinhua reported.

In the process, the names North and South will also be formalised as these are not official names under New Zealand legislation.

Once adopted, the existing English and Maori names will be used either individually or together.

The consideration of the alternative names began when a Christchurch resident with an interest in New Zealand history submitted a proposal to rename the South Island Te Wai Pounamu.

Williamson said Thursday the New Zealand Geographic Board carried out extensive consultations earlier this year on the naming of the islands.

He said his decision to assign alternative names means people can use whichever they prefer.

He added that everyone would have the choice to keep calling the islands what they always have, or use the alternatives, or use both together if they wish.

The two islands have never had official names until now, despite being charted in 1769 by Captain James Cook who gave them Maori names similar to those confirmed Thursday.