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Learn about the history of town and its districts, schools and roads over the years.

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Roads

Discover the Stories Behind Cambridge’s Street Names

Have you ever wondered where your street got its name? This guide reveals the rich history behind the street names of Cambridge and the surrounding districts. From early Māori market gardens to modern-day tributes, every street has a story to tell.

How to Use This Guide

  • Streets are listed alphabetically for easy browsing.
  • Click on a letter to see all street names beginning with that letter.
  • Find out who or what each street is named after from royalty and war heroes to local landscapes and entrepreneurs.

The Stories Behind the Names

Cambridge’s street names reflect centuries of change, culture, and connection. Here’s what you’ll discover:
  • Māori Origins Many names in te reo Māori carry spiritual and ancestral meaning guided by mana whenua Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā. They are rooted in the whenua (land), maunga (mountains), and awa (river).
  • Cultural Tributes Streets honour royalty (e.g., Victoria Street), national leaders (Vogel Street), property developers, and local families. You’ll also find the names of writers and poets.
  • Historical Events Some names commemorate pivotal moments, such as the Gallipoli campaign (Anzac Street) and other milestones in New Zealand’s history.
  • Modern Connections As Cambridge expands, new subdivisions introduce names that blend tradition with innovation. They are selected using Waipā District Council’s naming policy introduced in 2021, designed to reflect Waipā’s evolving story.
  Ready to explore? 👉 Choose a letter to begin uncovering the stories that behind Cambridge's street names.

Acknowledgements

This guide would not have been possible without the work of Ruth Wilkinson and Eris Parker. Their research into Cambridge’s history and street names helped lay the foundations for this project. Ruth’s book The Streets of Cambridge and Eris’s many publications through the Cambridge Museum gave us the stories, details, and background that help make sense of how our streets got their names. Thanks to their passion for history, we are able to share these stories today.
While all due care has been taken to verify information, Cambridge Museum accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or misrepresentation.  

Last updated July 2025

Roads – A, B, C, D

Begin with names that reveal ancestral roots, newcomers, daring explorers, and cultural icons. Discover where Cambridge’s story starts and how foundational figures helped shape its streets.

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Roads – E, F, G

Explore a trio of letters rich in history from educators and entrepreneurs to gallant guardians. These street names celebrate innovation, learning, and leadership.

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Roads – H, I, J, K

Honour hometown heroes and knowledge keepers. These letters hold tales of humble contributions, strong community ties, and te reo Māori meanings woven deep into the whenua and local memory.

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Roads – L, M, N, O, P

Legacy, landowners and poets await in this section. These names reflect lives lived with purpose, whether through quiet influence or bold ambition, leaving lasting marks on Cambridge’s landscape.

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Roads- Q, R, S

Quaint yet captivating, these streets link to storytellers, soldiers and spiritual threads. Their tales are steeped in both personal and collective histories.

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Roads – T, U, V

Trace traditions, te reo taonga, and valiant figures across these letters. From timeless teachings to visionary namesakes, each street is a bridge between past and present.

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Roads – W, X, Y, Z

This final stretch unveils stories full of wisdom, zest, and unexpected journeys that complete the alphabet.

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