Board opts for former mayor

The Greytown Commnunity Board has decided to name two new thoroughfares in the town Garrity Street, after former Mayor of Greytown John Garrity, who died in January.

Greytown Community Board has had its say on the naming of two new streets created by a subdivision off Humphries St.

The board is recommending the two be covered by one name - Garrity St - after former mayor John Garrity, who died in January, following a tradition the town has of naming streets after mayors.

Subdivision developer Hillview Properties applied to South Wairarapa District Council to name the streets Mawson Lane and Worsley Lane, after early Antarctic explorers Sir Douglas Mawson and Frank Worsley.

The council was not keen and opted to ask the community board for recommendations.

At a board meeting this month, suggestions from Greytown resident Neil Montgomerie and the Prendiville family were considered.

Board member Ian Farley said they had unanimously decided on Garrity St and supported only one name because of the layout of the streets. "The board is very supportive on that name, not only because John Garrity was mayor of Greytown but the Garrity family in general have done a lot for the town."

He said the land was also once owned by the family and before that by the Humphries.

The Garritys then sold it to Kevin and Bev Prendiville, whose family suggested the board recommend the streets be called Garrity Lane and Prendiville Lane.

Mr Montgomerie suggested several names, including Garrity Lane and Harding Lane, after ex-mayor Richard Harding.

The applicant for Hillview Properties said he was comfortable with both of those two names.

Mr Farley said the board also recommended if there had to be more than one name, Harding or Prendiville were appropriate.

He said it was good the naming system was working and the board could have its say.

"John Garrity was the last mayor of Greytown Borough Council and the first mayor of South Wairarapa District Council.

"It just sort of seemed appropriate."

The recommendation will now go to the council.