Road war erupts as search begins for new names

Published on Stuff.co.nz and in the Waikato Times

Some of Cambridge's oldest roads are about to be turned into some of the town's newest - but only in name.

With the Waikato Expressway carving a path to the north of the town, a handful of roads, some of which date back to the earliest European settlers of the area, are to be sliced in half, with one end to be renamed at the suggestion of emergency services to avoid confusion.

Part of Forrest Road, Hannon Rd and Watkins Rd will be renamed, with Waipa District Council completing a list of suggestions to be decided on by residents and iwi.

The initial plan was to change only the northern sides because there were fewer properties on those ends, while the southern sides remain the same.

Waipa District Council's deputy chief executive David Hall said the council was "trying to ensure as few people as possible are inconvenienced".

"However, by mid 2015, around 50 property owners will officially have a new address and that's going to mean changing documentation ranging from maps to property titles to bank statements."

North Hannon Rd residents include the Hannon family, after whom the thoroughfare from Cambridge to Hautapu is named.

There are also businesses on the north end, including Turner Road Architecture.

Director Lee Turner said the business would have to re-do its stationary, signage and website, as well as update bank accounts and legal information.

"I understand these things need to happen but it's a significant amount of money to change addresses," he said.

Renaming the North end of Hannon Rd did not make sense, Turner said, because Taylor St ran into the south end of the road and could just be extended.

"[The council] should have a harder think . . . there is a better solution."

The Cambridge Community Board agrees the south side of Hannon Rd is the part that should be renamed.

Chair Mike Pettit said the Hannon family still occupied the Hannon homestead and surrounding land on the affected part of Hannon Rd.

"The name Hannon rightfully belongs to the northern part of Hannon Rd."

The board suggested the southern part of the road could be given a name that reflects the equine industry.

Suggestions and feedback were received from more than 30 residents and iwi representatives opting to have their say.