New Street Names Reflect Kaiapoi History and Community

Former landowners and a fish and chippie are among the local identities acknowledged in street names approved for the new BeachGrove housing development in Kaiapoi.

Stage One of the development is well underway and comprises 83 completed and landscaped homes, the first of which will be available in early 2014.

Marie and David Hancox owned some of the land on which BeachGrove is being built and were the first couple to buy a home in the development. Their family name joins the Bishop’s, Johnson’s and Pender’s who also owned land on the site, in having streets named after them.

Marie Hancox says she doesn’t know quite what to think about her family name being a part of BeachGrove but is looking forward to moving into their new home in the next year or so.

“We don’t know if we’ll be living in Hancox Street but wouldn’t that be funny if we were?” she says.  “Mr and Mrs Hancox, in Hancox Street!”       
                                                                                                              
Importantly, the area’s strong and proud sea faring history is also strongly reflected in the names which include Tuhoe Avenue, Waiotahi Road,and Ranginui Drive – all were local vessels from the Kaiapoi river port.

ENDS                                                                                         www.beachgrovekaiapoi.co.nz

 

Note:
Under the Waimakariri District Council policy, approval criteria includes whether a proposed name has local historical, cultural, environmental or geographical significance; Maori names of local significance are chosen in conjunction with local iwi representatives to ensure appropriateness of meaning and correct spelling; significant and well-known or previously well-known names of farms, properties or run holdings; names of local residents who have achieved prominence in their chosen fields such as arts, sport, commerce, science, politics, local government, military, or those who have been long term residents.

Selection of other names approved for BeachGrove:

• Paroto Street - Historical ship
• Dempsey Street - Dempsey was a former butcher and local fish shop owner and identity
• Tapautu Street - Historical ship
• Isa Lei Street - Current support vessel (tug) to the MV Tuhoe
• Toa Street - Historical ship