A Slight Case Of Name-dropping (Press, 7 July 1977)

The announcement that W. K. Bush, a prominent prop for the All Blacks, wishes to be called by his given name, Kingi, has created a stir in rugby circles. The story, reported by Ray Calms in "The Press" on 7 July 1977, highlights the confusion this name change has generated among players and officials who have referred to him as Bill for many years. Mr. S. F. Hill, the joint selector-coach of Canterbury, noted that the 100 kg (16st) footballer is known by various names, including Bill and Bushy, among teammates. Hill expressed sympathy for Bush's situation, mentioning that he, too, has a variety of names linked to different contexts—“Tiny” among rugby players, “Stan” in Canterbury, and “Frank” in Taranaki. Despite the desire for a change, Bush himself acknowledged the mixed reactions surrounding his name preference. While he indicated a preference for Kingi, he expressed willingness to continue answering to Bill, given that it is a name he has carried for a long time. The precedent for using a first name in lieu of a nickname had previously been set by former Prime Minister Wallace Rowling, showcasing a cultural acceptance of such shifts. Overall, the announcement reflects a deeper conversation about identity in the world of sport, emphasizing how names and personal identification can evolve within public settings. As far as "The Press" is concerned, W. K. Bush will be referred to as Bill Bush going forward.

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