The proposal to name a stretch of beach on Tauranga Harbour after local historian Dame Evelyn Stokes is facing stern opposition with more than 25 public submissions against the idea.

The New Zealand Geographic Board is open to public submissions on its proposal until February 14.

The section of beach proposed to be named ‘Stokes Beach' by the New Zealand Geographic Board.

It is the board's intentions to name the beach, located on the northern shores of Otumoetai extending east from Tilby Point to the reclaimed part of Kulim Park, as ‘Stokes Beach' after the late Dame.

New Zealand Geographic Board secretary Wendy Shaw says 30 submissions have been received since November – with 27 objecting to the proposal.

She adds the board is set to consider all submissions at its next meeting on April 23.

'It should be noted, however, that the process is not a vote – the NZGB is primarily concerned with the reasons provided in submissions rather than submission numbers.”

NZGB staff want to honour and commemorate the significant work and contribution of Dame Evelyn – particularly for her work as a pre-eminent New Zealand geographer and writer of Maori history.

They believe Dame Evelyn had a very strong connection with Tauranga iwi, as well as having lived in this particular area of Tauranga, says Wendy.

Dame Evelyn who died in 2005, aged 68. She spent 40 years as a staff member of geography at the University of Waikato and was also a member of the Waitangi Tribunal for 16 years.

Throughout her life, Dame Evelyn worked for recognition of marginalised groups, including women and Maori, while also publishing extensively on NZ's historical geography, including Tauranga, and Maori land issues.

When consultation opened, the proposal caused a mixture of emotions throughout the historical community.

Tauranga historian Jinty Rorke told SunLive she is in favour of the name change commemorating Dame Evelyn's 'tremendous” work and support of local history.

'She always had a great interest in Maori history and that's quite appropriate. She also did a lot of research for the original Tauranga Moana report for the Waitangi Tribunal.”

Ngai Tamarawaho kaumatua Peri Kohu says the proposal does not sit well with him - labelling the move to change the beach's name as 'disrespectful”.

Peri questions why the board is looking to change it from ‘Otumoetai Beach' – a name put forward by Maori ancestors and Dame Evelyn Stokes herself.

'Who are the nameless making this absurd suggestion? Otumoetai it is and Otumoetai it should stay. With all due respect to Evelyn Stokes I think the name change would embarrass her, not honour her.”