Street name ruffles feathers

Naming a Lower Hutt street after the endangered karearea has ruffled the feathers of one resident.

The karearea, or New Zealand falcon, appears on the $20 note and, although it is endangered, its population in Lower Hutt is increasing.

Hutt City Council’s development committee decided at a meeting earlier this month to give the name Karearea Lane to a new street in Maungaraki.

Alternatives suggested included Falcon Lane and Camel Hump Lane.

The new private lane has been created off Otamarau Grove by the redevelopment of an old property into three new homes. The lane will be a carriageway serving eight properties.

Otamarau Grove resident Ben Blackler, whose address will become Karearea Lane, told the committee the new name was a problem.

‘‘Having too many names that are difficult for an everyday person to remember, or be able to even write down, can be problematic,’’ he said.

‘‘At the moment we live on Otamarau Grove, a very nice name, which is in Maungaraki. If I was to have a courier deliver us a parcel, at the moment it’s rather difficult.

‘‘It’s nothing against a Maori name, it’s just being practical.’’

Despite Blacker’s plea, the committee unanimously approved the name.

Neighbour Keith Munro, whose house is on the new lane, said he and wife Raylene were pleased with the decision.

‘‘Every country has got a falcon. You can have Falcon Lane anywhere in the world. But our bush falcon is a bit special and unique to New Zealand.’’

Munro said he had been living in Maungaraki for 17 years, and submitted Karearea Lane as a potential name because he he had falcons living near his house.

‘‘This year they had a young fledgling. Most days if you’re at home you’ll either see them or hear them.‘‘

Wainuiomata ward councillor Josh Briggs said the indigenous name was the appropriate decision.

The name will come into effect once a new street sign is erected on September 4.