Sir James Wattie honoured as road renamed

A descendant of a Hawke's Bay business pioneer believes her grandfather would have been humbled to see his name feature at the entrance of Hastings' new shopping precinct.

Caroline Rd was officially changed to Sir James Wattie Place when the new road sign bearing the business leader's name was unveiled by his family yesterday.

The road, off St Aubyn St, leads into the entrance of the new shopping centre on the former Nelson Park site and was not far from where Sir James started a fruit canning operation on King St in 1934.

The company remains today under the banner of Heinz-Wattie's in Hastings.

Sir James' granddaughter, Caren Wattie, who helped unveil the sign, said her family was "overwhelmed" when told of the news to dedicate the road to Sir James.

"We were very happy with the idea and thought it would be a good tribute to my grandfather."

Wattie's became one of Hastings' largest employers and during yesterday's ceremony, a number of former staff who remembered Sir James approached his family to pass on their congratulations.

"They've just been sharing the memories they had with my grandfather, what he was like when they worked for him," Ms Wattie said.

She said many of the comments reflected her own memories of Sir James and the values he passed down.

"He always used to say, treat people as you would want to be treated. I think he would have thought this was a good idea, he would have been very humbled by it all."

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule said Sir James was on a first-name basis with all of his workers and he often had morning and afternoon team with staff in the cafeteria.

"His former employees include many of Hastings district's council officers. He is remembered as a wonderful man."

Ngati Kahungunu kaumatua Gerry Hapuku and Haami Hilton led the opening for the renaming of the road and also the blessing ceremony for the new nearby The Warehouse store, which opens on Thursday.

The Warehouse is one of two anchor tenants for the complex, the other is Mega Mitre 10.