Mysterious Margaret's passing leaves a space on K Rd

Margaret travelled to Auckland's Karangahape Rd every day for at least 20 years. Photo / Herald on Sunday

You've probably seen her sitting on a bench and smoking on Karangahape Rd, or been asked: "Got a dollar, love?"

Known to many simply as Margaret - but understood to be Margaret Hoffman - one of downtown Auckland's best-known street identities has died.

It is believed she died in her sleep on Monday night.

For more than two decades Margaret, easily spotted by her straw-like hair, was known as the woman who sat on benches on K Rd and Ponsonby Rd, asking people for cigarettes, and occasionally bus money.

She would travel to K Rd each day from her Parnell home.

Yesterday, tributes flowed for the woman who many remembered for her no-nonsense personality.

She could be charming or scary - depending on whether or not you gave her a cigarette.

The K Rd Business Association yesterday received calls from people wishing to pass on their condolences.

Heritage manager Edward Bennett said many wanted to know when Margaret's funeral would be held, while others chatted about their memories of her.

"She was a picturesque landmark for many. I really don't remember a time when she wasn't a part of K Rd.

"She was just one of those things in the landscape - a rock in the river, never changing."

Mr Bennett said there had many stories about Margaret and how she had come to be a resident of the street.

"There's stories that she was a model and that she'd been jilted at the altar."

Other stories suggested she was a fashion model in her earlier years and became depressed after her husband and child were killed.

Businessman Graeme Russell, who knew Margaret for about 15 years, said he had heard her name was Rita and she was a dancer.

Before moving to Parnell, Margaret lived in a boarding house on Scotia Place.

"That's when I first met her," Mr Russell said. "I was walking along when she asked me to help her get into her house. I got in through the fire escape and I couldn't believe what I saw inside.

"She had beautiful gowns hanging on her walls and she had photos of her in her younger days. I do remember one of the photos had her wearing dancing pumps.

"The last I saw her was on Thursday. I sat and had a cigarette with her."

Members of the public are already rallying to hold a memorial service for Margaret, while others have called for a sculpture be made on one of the benches she often occupied.

One blogger wrote: "When people refer to K Rd as a character street, as edgy and bohemian, it was largely a reference to you, really ... rest in peace."