Judea's Churchill Park is to be renamed Matiu Kauri Grove, after a Mormon preacher who held prayer meetings in the park in the early 1900s.
Community consultation to 111 affected residents got only one response - against the proposal - so Tauranga City Council decided to go ahead with the name change.
Matiu Kauri, whose English name was Matthew Cowley (no relation to the current councillor of the same name), learned to speak Maori at this park and translated church doctrine into te reo.
Tamati Tata, a kaumatua of Judea-based hapu Ngai Tamarawaho, presented in support of the name change in June.
Councillor Bev Edlin said the change was an indication the council was recognising some of the historical significance of the area.
Cr Rick Curach said he was pleased the community was asking for the name change.
"Matthew Cowley must have left a deep impression with that community to make them want to change the name so long afterwards."
Cr Catherine Stewart said she had concerns it was an "ad hoc" decision without considering the historical significance of other Tauranga reserves.
Cr John Robson had concerns about the proposal when it was first heard at council but said as there had been no reaction from the community, he was comfortable with the name being changed.