Naming of New Brighton

Have you ever wondered how and why places, streets and communities get their names? What do you think about the story of the Pākehā settlers – Stephen Brooker and William Free – naming New Brighton? That a hastily scrawled name on a plank of wood would be adopted so readily? 

What’s your name? Mine’s Huanui, meaning ‘path’ or, in our case, trail.

For those who don’t know much about me, I’m the mascot of the Avon Ōtakaro Network. The Network has been instrumental, since the Christchurch earthquakes, in creating the concept of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. With widespread community support and council assistance, the Network and associated community groups are regenerating nature. 

Gradually, with everybody’s input and help, the red zone is becoming a ‘Green Spine’. Perhaps we can begin to refer to it as that. 

Out this way, the  prevailing easterly wind can make it hard to bike or walk (for you) and fly (for me). No wonder Māori traditionally called this vicinity Ōrua Paeroa: meaning strong east winds blowing in from the sea. Aptly named, eh?! (The name is also given to Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park on nearby Beach Road. The park is the largest freshwater wetland in Christchurch Ōtautahi.) 

What does the name Green Spine make you think of? What amazing ideas do you have for the area? Share them with the Network. They’d love to hear from you.

Next steps:

Contact Avon Ōtāaro Network
https://avonotakaronetwork.org/

Links:

Ōrua Paeroa North New Brighton history: https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/ti-kouka-whenua/orua-paeroa-north-new-brighton/

Māori sites, especially No. 33 – Ōrua Paeroa

https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/ti-kouka-whenua/map/