Down your street

Behind every street name is a story.  Every month we look at some well-known Taranaki streets and the origin of their names.  If you want to know more about a particular street, please email us.

Witako Street, New Plymouth

Wiremu Tako Ngatata Witako (1815-1887) was a celebrated Maori chief 90 years ago, who with E Puni, left Taranaki and conquered the Wellington harbour district in 1830.  Succeeded Te Puni as paramount chief of Ngati Awa and was accorded a State funeral.

Murray Street, Bell Block

Named after Lieutenant Colonel Murray.  Colonel Murray was sent to New Zealand with his troops.  He arrived in New Plymouth in 1854 and was a soldier in the Maori wars.  Murray Street was used to continue to the back of St Lukes church at Bell Block, but now continues only about 200 yards past Wynyard Street.

Johnstone Street, Brixton

Named after Captain William Johnston of 1st Mounted Rifles.

Did you know...?

Believe or not, the wee town of Inglewood in Taranaki used to host the Greatest Show On Earth. And sounds like it truly was! This amazing annual event used to pull in the thousands of punters from far and wide.

Huge parades, athletics stars, circus acts, escapologists, food stalls, quick-fire raffles, musicians, and woodchoppers were some of the attractions that helped the event back-up its bold branding.
Read more...

Taranaki Teaser

For 25 years, from 1925 to 1959, this Taranaki athelete threw javelins further than anyone in New Zealand. Few people have managed to compete in the top echelon of their chosen sport for so long.

His career highlights include:

• Taranaki Cricket Representative player from 1926-31.
• Javelin silver medal at the 1938 Empire Games in Sydney, Australia.
• He won the New Zealand javelin title on 12 occasions from 1926-50.

Can you name him?

The answer will be revealed in the November edition of Taranaki Trivia!

Last month's answer: Inglewood.

Read more...