National Party MP Stuart Smith has floated the idea of a referendum on the use of the word 'Aotearoa' in the public sector.
It was backed by his boss, National Party leader Judith Collins, who said she was concerned the public was not being consulted about the use of the word.
Collins told Morning Report she's heard from people around the country that they aren't happy with the use of the word.
"People are saying very clearly that they feel that there is now a de facto name change for New Zealand."
Asked for evidence of that claim Collins said the evidence is in the way government departments have been referring to themselves.
"We've seen that happening."
Collins said those she spoke to in provincial New Zealand were noticing the change, although it may not be as much of an issue in urban centres like Wellington.
