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.
Tauhou is the Mãori name for the silvereye, or wax eye, native bird which can be found in the bush areas around Wainuiomata. Tauhou literally translates into “New Arrival”, which also nicely describes the recent new uprising of Wainuiomata as a great place to live. The name “Tauhou Lane” was chosen by the Wainuiomata Community Board on the […]
Rato Rise is a private road that was formed as part of the subdivision and development of the Rato Rosanna Home located off Tyndall Street. The house was renamed Rato after the te reo word for sunset, rātō (rā = sun & tō = to set). The house sits on the Eastern Hills of Lower […]
Name after the bird, Pūkeko. There have been large colonies of Pūkeko all along the Parkway and extension area for as many years. Over time these birds have been pushed further and further back from their habitats with the surrounding buildings and road works. With still some bush on the upper slopes, it is hoped some bird life still […]
Toroa is te reo for Albatross, which are considered kaitiaki (guardians) tuākana (elders) of all the other bird species of Wainuiomata who will always be its taonga (Treasure). “Te aro” means the pathway of and is used a lot now for new street names. The developer of this new street requested the street name, and it was […]
Named after Edmund Percy Bunny, commonly known as E.P. Bunny, was a prominent figure in the Lower Hutt community during the early 20th century. In 1898, he was elected to the Lower Hutt Borough Council, marking the beginning of his involvement in local governance. In 1900, Bunny became the mayor of Lower Hutt, taking over […]
Named after the Mazzola family who were market gardeners in the area since 1942. Pictured is Francesco Mazzola in 1968. The nearby street Cataldo Mews is named after a member of the Mazzola family, Cataldo Mazzola.
A new subdivision was created on the land at 959 High Street, which had formerly belonged to Mr Cataldo Mazzola. The new street joined High Street on the property that was previously numbered as 963 High Street. The original driveway to 959 High Street was retained as a private right of way. During the development […]
Named after the former Otonga School, which was present in the spot of this subdivision in Maungaraki, after the 1999 merger of Otonga and Puketiro Schools became Maungaraki School. The original name proposed by the developer, Strawberry Homes, was “Goldsmith Rise” as they had adopted a theme of Strawberries, with each of their house types being named […]
Wareham Place was a new access road that was constructed as part of the Barnes Street industrial subdivision. The developer of the subdivision, R B Steel, had requested that the road be named Wareham Place. The proposed name, Wareham Place, was chosen to recognise the significant contributions made by Mr Bryan Wareham of Wareham Cameron. […]
Cottle Heath Close, a private road serving a subdivision off Golf Road in Manor Park, was named by the Hutt City Council on 11th July 2005. The developer of the subdivision, who is the son-in-law of Shirley Heath and the late Ray Heath, requested that the private right of way be named “Cottle Heath Close.” […]