Fiordland mountain named after former Prime Minister Norman Kirk

A 1436-metre mountain in Fiordland has been officially named Mount Kirk, after former Prime Minister Norman Kirk. In 1973, Kirk decided to keep the water levels of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau at their natural heights, stopping them from being artificially raised. The watchdog group Kirk set up to protect the lakes suggested the name. Land Information Minister Mike Butterick confirmed it on 18 August 2026.