Lower Hutt, located in the Wellington region of New Zealand, is rich in history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty, with its street names offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. These names are more than simple geographical markers; they reflect Lower Hutt’s Maori heritage, British colonial influence, and the contributions of local heroes, as well as the natural landscapes of New Zealand. Many streets honor prominent families, celebrate milestones in the city’s development, or evoke imagery of native flora, mountains, and waterways. By uncovering the histories and stories behind these names, we gain insight into the forces that have shaped this vibrant community. Whether named after industrial growth, political figures, or significant events, each street holds a unique tale, enriching the experience of both locals and visitors as they explore Lower Hutt City one street name at a time.
Peter Laing’s house, on the corner of Bloomfield Terrace and Laings Road, was named ”Bloomfield”. It was built in 1848 for Capt. Daniell. The large Norfolk Island pine in the Salvation Army grounds opposite is a relic of Laing’s Gardens. There are several ”Bloomfields” in Scotland, Peter Laing’s country of birth. 1 Carey, Alison. 1992. […]
Named after Peter Laing, a baker and pastrycook, who bought Captain Daniell’s house which stood at the corner of Bloomfield Terrace and Laings Road. 1 Lower Hutt Street Names, Alison Carey[↩]
In 1897 Robert L. Laery, a Wellington merchant, bought seven acres which was former Fitzherbert land. It was bounded by Parliament, Bridge, Herbert Streets and Main Road (Railway Avenue). After his death in 1902 it was subdivided into 39 lots, Laery Street running through the middle of it. 1 Lower Hutt Street Names, Alison Carey[↩]
Named after Richard Rush who was murdered with a tomahawk 1 while working on his land (near Station Village) on 15th June 1846, the day before the attacks at Boulcott Farm. ”Rush’s Corner” was opposite the Valley Inn on the corner of Railway Avenue and Marsden Street. 2 Richard Rush arrived in Wellington around 1840 […]
Named by Richard John Seddon after his boss in an iron factory in Lancashire, William Melling. Seddon also named Normandale.
Richard John Seddon was Prime Minister 1893-1906. The street was prominent in the Waddington settlement in 1918. NZ History Biography 1 Richard Seddon’s nickname, ‘King Dick’, says it all. Our longest-serving and most famous leader not only led the government, many argued he was the government. For 13 years he completely dominated politics. Like Julius Vogel, […]
Named by Richard John Seddon (Prime Minister 1893-1906} after his wife’s mother’s maiden name, Ann Norrnandale. 1 Lower Hutt Street Names, Alison Carey[↩]
Thank you to Hutt City Libraries for sharing this information. Whites Line was the second road established in the Hutt Valley and the first road to slice across the Valley. It’s now a major thoroughfare. Some suggest it was called ‘Whites Line’ because it was an ‘aukati’ or ‘line which no (white) man could […]
Thank you to Hutt City Libraries for sharing this information. Whites Line was the second road established in the Hutt Valley and the first road to slice across the Valley. It’s now a major thoroughfare. Some suggest it was called ‘Whites Line’ because it was an ‘aukati’ or ‘line which no (white) man could […]
As with many streets in Maungaraki named after trees or flowers, Jacaranda Grove is named after the Jacaranda flowering plant. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Latin America and the Caribbean.