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.
George Gee Drive is named after George Gee, the former mayor of Petone Borough Council from 1968-1980. He was the first Chinese Mayor in New Zealand. He was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 1977 and the Queen’s Service Order in 1981. A very popular Mayor, ill health forced his retirement in 1980, and sadly he […]
Named for Queen Elizabeth II on her first visit to New Zealand. The road was completed in 1953 and the Queen was one of the first people to drive along it.
Te Ara o Te Amo Hohipene is named after Amo Hohipene. She was the mother of Wi Hape Paku Love (Mother-in-law to Ripeka Wharawhara). The new street is a subdivision at 124 Richmond Street, Petone. 1 Hutt City Council Agenda – 5th April 2022[↩]
Te Ara o Ripeka Wharawhara is named after Rīpeka Wharawhara Love and is a subdivision located at 124 Richmond Street, Petone. 1 Rīpeka Wharawhara was through descent and marriage kin to Te Āti Awa chiefs whose mana continued to extend over the Wellington region after the arrival of Pākehā settlers in 1840. As an heir […]
Passes under Melling Bridge and was named by Councillor Frost (a stonemason) after the concrete blocks produced by a firm a little further upstream.
Subdivided in 1960 by Arthur Hugo Peter Petterson and named after his wife, Christina Annabel Petterson.
Francis and his son George Whiteman farmed at Taita having arrived in the “Gertrude” in 1841. In the early 1840s, George and his brother William “discovered” Whiteman’s Valley. William later farmed at Mangaroa at the northern end of Whiteman’s Valley.
Sir Thomas Mason Wilford was M.P. for Hutt for 26 years, and Mayor of Wellington 1909-11. He was leader of the Liberal Opposition in 1919 and later became New Zealand High Commissioner in London. He was a grandson of “Quaker” Mason.
Named after Wiremu Tako Ngātata, of Te Āti Awa, usually known as Wi Tako. He was a chief born around the beginning of the 19th century in Taranaki who migrated south in 1832 with his people to the Cook Strait region. His father signed the Treaty of Waitangi in the Wellington region in April 1840. Wi […]
A name made from the names of two families who owned land either side of Burnton Street in Witako Street, the Benton family and the Burn family. The street was put through in 1946.