Minto Walkway sparks outrage

John Minto in 1981.

Veteran Springbok Tour protester John Minto has found himself at the centre of a new Eden Park storm, with a controversial plan to name a nearby road after him.

The Eden Albert community board has recommended a link lane - being built for next year's Rugby World Cup - be named either Minto, Mandela or Porangi (crazy) Walkway.

The board is against the road and chose the names Minto and former South African President Nelson Mandela for their connection to the 1981 Springbok Tour and porangi - Maori for "crazy" - because of the amount of money being spent on the project.

"The last thing we want it to be called is something that's named after a rugby hero because we think it's a foolhardy measure," said councillor Glenda Fryer.

The lane connects Sandringham and Walters Rds at a cost of $3 million. Two villas had to be removed for its construction. The lane will be open to vehicles and pedestrians, but traffic will be restricted during games.

It is part of an $18 million upgrade around Eden Park, including work on Kingsland Station, Sandringham Rd, the gas network and footpaths.

Phillip Chase of the Eden Albert community board thought the proposed names were appropriate in the context. "We wanted a name that would leave a mark," he said.

But councillor Ken Baguley said the names were a joke. "In the end they can have their laugh but the naming of roads has to go through a process," he said. "It would be lovely to call it the Fred Allen Way."

Former MP Ian Revell, a police detective sergeant during the 1981 tour, told the Aucklander the Minto proposal was "outrageous". "I don't think his actions meet the normal criteria for street naming. I would have thought Colin Meads Way or Brian Lochore Lane."

Mr Minto said it was nice of the board to think of him, but he would not support the proposal. "In reality it's just poking a bit of fun at the council for spending all this money."

Mike Smith, of the city council's business development unit, said new roads could not have the same name as an existing one and there was already a Minto Rd in Remuera.

Mr Baguley said the new road was necessary. "The road will help move people away from the park more efficiently from the four new entrances," said Mr Baguley.

However, Mr Chase said the lane would create increased traffic and see more people loitering after games. Ms Fryer said the recommended names would be presented to the council's transport committee at this, or next, month's meeting.