GORDON LIGHTFOOT | Culture
COASTAL CLAIM
A Gore man has continued referring to Mount Maunganui exclusively as “The Mount” despite living more than 1,500 kilometres away.
Brent Taylor, 42, confirmed the phrasing “just feels right.”
“Everyone calls it The Mount,” Taylor said. “It’s what you say.”
Taylor visits the Bay of Plenty town approximately once every three summers. “Spent New Year’s there in 2018,” he added. “Know it pretty well.”
Friends say the terminology becomes more frequent around holiday planning season.
“He’ll say things like ‘Might head up to The Mount this year’ as if he’s popping down the road,” said mate Darren McLeod.
Taylor insists the language is standard. “You wouldn’t say Mount Maunganui every time. That’s too formal. Sounds like you’re reading the news.”
When asked if he uses similar shorthand for other places, Taylor paused. “Not really. Just The Mount. Feels natural doesn’t it.”
At press time, Taylor was reportedly checking accommodation prices while reminding everyone it “it gets booked up really quick if you’re not early.”
More to come.
