That’s the question pupils in a New Zealand primary school have been asking, as they seek to put an end to discrepancies on local road signs in the Tiniroto area of the country.

As highlighted in a recent article in the Gisborne Herald, pupils from Tiniroto School have been researching the history of Doneraille Park.

According to the article, school principal Jenny Bennett said pupils found at least three different spellings while studying the wider Tiniroto countryside – two on signposts right next to one another.

“So far our research has pointed to the name being from Lord Doneraile from Ireland and there is a wildlife park there. We suspect that is the correct spelling.

“The children now want to find out the answers to the above and are doing so during their inquiry times. They would like to see the correct spelling on the signage,” she told the newspaper.

Tairawhiti Roads journey manager, Helen Harris, commented to the Gisborne Herald that the discrepancy between the signposted spellings would be addressed.

“It appears the origin of the name was Doneraile but our research has highlighted that the legally gazetted name from 1956 has an extra ‘l’. While it does appear the legally-correct name is Doneraille, we’re seeking some further advice before deciding on corrective action.”

The Avondhu understands that the park in question was originally named after Hugh St Leger, later Lord Doneraile, who owned land in the Doneraile area of North Cork. The town of Doneraile, county Cork stands on the northern slope of Knockahur hill, rising by a gentle slope from the River Awbeg and gradually ascending to a rocky prominence. The town’s name - “Dún ar Aill”, meaning “the fort on the cliff” – however derives from another rocky prominence, located near the graveyard of Oldcourt upon which an ancient fort was built.

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