New Street Naming within Grey District

We have two roads to name and we want to know your thoughts?

What is proposed?

Council is considering two proposals for the official naming of roads within the Grey District and will undertake targeted consultation to ensure the proposed names are appropriate, accurate, and reflect local community and historical context.

• The first proposal relates to a new legal road providing access to a six‑lot residential subdivision off Main South Road, Paroa, which requires an official name for property addressing and emergency and postal services, with Gage Lane proposed in recognition of the Gage family’s historical connection to the site and region.
• The second proposal arises from the State Highway 7 realignment associated with the new Ahaura Bridge, which has left a former section of the highway functioning as a local road without an official name, resulting in addressing confusion for residents and service providers. Hahn Road is proposed to acknowledge the Hahn family’s long‑standing presence and contribution to the Ahaura area.

Proposal One: Gage Lane, State Highway 6, adjacent to 402 Main South Road, Paroa.

Gage Lane: A new road providing access to a six-lot residential subdivision off Main South Road, Paroa. Henrietta Gage 91876-1951) was born in Hokitika and died in Greymouth, and her father, Simeone Gage, was an early resident of the region. The site of the new subdivision was previously owned for many years by their descendants.

Proposal Two: Hahn Road, Ahaura Bridge, State Highway 7 and realignment.

Hahn Road: When the new Ahaura road bridge opened five years ago, a former section of the highway was left functioning as a local road without an official name, resulting in addressing confusion for residents and service providers. The Hahn family of Ahaura established themselves in the district during the late 19th century, becoming prominent figures in the local sawmilling industry and community life. Much of the surrounding area is still in the ownership of the Hahn family.

Proposal One:Gage Lane

Is a new subdivision comprising of six residential lots recently developed, with dwellings currently under construction connecting to State Highway 6, adjacent to 402 Main South Road, Paroa.

As this is a new legal road providing primary access to the subdivision, it requires an official road name to enable property addressing and to ensure clarity for emergency and postal services.

The preferred name being Gage Lane. The surname Gage is historically linked with West Coast and Greymouth. Henrietta Gage (1876–1951) was born in Hokitika and died in Greymouth, and her father Simeone Gage was an early resident of the region. Previously 402 Main South Road (where the new subdivision is located) was owned for many years by the Gage family, descendants of Henrietta and Simeone Gage.

Proposal Two: Hahn Road

Is due to construction of the new Ahaura Bridge, State Highway 7 and realignment meaning the former section of the highway now functions as a local road but does not currently have an official road name.

Properties located along the former highway alignment continue to carry State Highway 7 addresses, which are no longer accurate. This has resulted in confusion for residents, visitors, and service providers.

To rectify inconsistencies and improve clarity, this road requires a new official name, and properties along it will need to be re-addressed accordingly.

The preferred name being Hahn Road. The Hahn family of Ahaura established themselves in the district during the late 19th century, becoming prominent figures in the local sawmilling industry and community life. Much of the surrounding area is still in the ownership of the Hahn family.

Why do the roads need names?

The unnamed roads will be named to solve address location issues and assist with the prospect of further development and dwellings in the area. This removes confusion for

individuals and agencies, including the postal service and emergency services, in locating the street and property addresses on the road.

Road naming is governed by local authorities under the Local Government Act 1974. Standards set by Land Information New Zealand have been followed to ensure clarity for emergency services and postal delivery.

Minor costs are anticipated, including the purchase of street signs and confirming section numbers for properties if necessary.

Council also proposes to consult with mana whenua, residents and emergency services.

** NOTE: Every submission made to council will be acknowledged in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002, copied and made available to the public.