Whanganui District Mayor Annette Main says some councillors have complained about the design of new welcoming signs to the city, but she's received much praise from locals.
They show a person in a red canoe floating on the Whanganui River and have the phrases, "Haere mai ki Whanganui", followed by the English translation, "Welcome to Wanganui".
Ms Main says some councillors raised concerns about not knowing the signs would be erected but also that Maori features above the English text.
She says the signs went up late last week so Rugby World Cup visitors are greeted by fresh new welcoming signs.
Despite complaints about them, she says, she's had good feedback from locals.
Ms Main says the signs reflect that both languages are a part of the country's history and something which interests tourists.
Whanganui iwi spokesperson Ken Mair says complaints about the signs shows that some people still think Maori are second-class citizens.
He says the councillors appear to be prejudiced, and want Maori to be subservient to a Pakeha opinion of what is right.
