Muff Road resident asks for new name

A resident of Muff Road in the town of Orari 130km south west of Christchurch is asking for his street to be renamed.

Not only would a name change prevent the street signs thefts that have plagued the road, but it would also be a chance to recognise the original geographic name of the district, resident Roger Payne said.

"Because of the ongoing problem with signage, I would like to see the original geographic name restored so the road could have safe signage."

Mr Payne said old survey maps showed the road as Ohapi Rd, and he suggested that would be a good alternative as it ties in with the name of a local creek, the Timaru Herald reported.

It would also recognise Ohapi Settlement, an area given to returned servicemen to farm after World War II.

Mr Payne said over the past three years the street had rarely been signposted.

Replacement signs were installed about 18 months ago, and disappeared days later. No others have been installed.

Regulatory services manager Peter Thompson has recommended the name change be considered by the Geraldine Board, and then by Muff Rd residents.

- NZPA