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The New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa has recommended Poverty Bay also carry the alternative name Tūranganui-ā-Kiwa.
Acting chair Anselm Haanen says more than 600 submissions were received on Gisborne District Council's proposal for a dual name, with a quarter in favour, a quarter preferring Poverty Bay, a quarter wanting just the traditional Māori name and the balance ambiguous or neutral.
He says the dual name is the best way to recognise the heritage and significance of both names.
Captain James Cook named Poverty Bay when he landed there in 1769 and was unable to re-supply his ship.
Tūranganui-ā-Kiwa, meaning the great or long-standing place of Kiwa, was first documented by Europeans about 1830 but its use has been much longer in oral tradition.
The board will prepare a report for Land Information Minister Eugenie Sage, who will make the final decision.
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