Albert Street, Central Named after Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, who was on the British throne when Cambridge was established in the 1860s.

Alfred Back Place, Cambridge East Alfred Back (1901-1973), served on the Cambridge Borough Council from 1947 to 1970. He was Chairman of Works for 12 years and Deputy Mayor for 23 years. Appointed as a government representative to the Fire Board in 1941, he was honoured upon his passing with a funeral procession led by fire engines through the town centre.

Alpers Ridge, Leamington Antony Alpers (1919–1997) was a New Zealand writer, biographer, journalist, mythologist, music critic, editor and lecturer. He was the foremost scholar on New Zealand author Katherine Mansfield, dedicating four years to researching her life and works.

Alpha Street, Central Alpha Street is a main thoroughfare in the town. The first Alpha Hotel was built in 1867 for Robert Kirkwood. It burned down in 1912, and the current building—designed by J. Currie and built by Fred Potts—was erected later that same year.

Anzac Street, Central Originally named Chapel Street, due to the Methodist and Catholic churches located there. The street was renamed Anzac Street at a special meeting of the Cambridge Borough Council in June 1916. ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, a military formation during World War I. The renaming commemorated the 1915 Gallipoli campaign, in which 2,779 New Zealanders—including 74 from the Waikato—lost their lives.

Artistic Avenue, Pukekura Named after Artistic, a champion thoroughbred racehorse.

Aspin Road, Fencourt John Aspin’s name appears on the earliest known map of the Fencourt district, where he owned a farm. He supplied milk to the town and sold his farm in 1922, as reported by the Waipā Post. His son, Alexander, attended Goodwood School from 1914 to 1916.

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Baker Road, Whitehall Arthur Bertram Baker bought 700 acres of property at Whitehall in 1938 and broke in the hilly land with crawler tractors. In 1941, he purchased a further 376 acres. Later, he joined the Air Force, serving overseas during WWII (1943–1945). After returning to New Zealand, he used his own aircraft—a Gypsy Moth—to sow his property with white clover. He served with Federated Farmers, was on the Meat Producers Board, worked for Waikato Insurance, and was chairman of James Aviation from its inception in 1947. He was also managing director of Earthmovers Ltd and Baker Construction Ltd. He received the OBE in June 1966.

Banks Road Susan Banks (née Buckland) bought the property Gwynnelands in 1895 after the death of her husband Joseph. Her son, Norman, was a major shareholder in the Cambridge Dairy Co-operative and an early advocate for its establishment. He was a Master of the Waikato Hunt, captain of the Cambridge polo team, horse breeder and racer, and a keen golfer.

Bath Street, Central Named for its early swimming hole in the Waikato River. A fenced area allowed access via a steep ladder, but the site was closed after two children drowned while swimming outside the safety fence.

Beer Road, Fencourt Charles Salter, Elizabeth Jane Beer and their family, arrived from Australia in January 1902 to settle 900 acres at Fencourt. There was no road to their farm; during floods, milk had to be carried out across high ground. In 1904, sons George and Walter worked for the Road Board in lieu of rates to form the road. Walter, a blacksmith by trade, made a roller from a large log, a wooden grader and a tip dray, which proved efficient for maintaining the road. Beer Road was taken over by the Waikato Road Board in 1930. The Beer family was instrumental in establishing a Methodist Church at Fencourt.

Benn Road, Maungatautari John Benn, from Melbourne, bought land at Pukekura from Richard Reynolds. He was in partnership with Thomas Grice and owned Moanatuatua Swamp in 1868. Victor Benn lived on the corner of the road and farmed there from 1922. He married property developer Frances Davies.

Bellevue Road, Matangi Previously known as Killen Road and Hoyle Road. In 1946–47, John Hannon’s farm was divided and the roads joined. Bellevue is French for “beautiful view.”

Belmont Place, Cambridge East Named by Works Superintendent Murray Wootten in honour of Belmont, his childhood home in Bombay, Auckland. He lived in Cambridge between 1955 and 1977.

Blanche Lane, Hautapu Blanche Carnachan (1871–1954), was an educator, reformer and advocate for children’s rights. Born in Cambridge, she was the ninth and youngest child of David and Elizabeth Carnachan. Blanche began her career at Cambridge School as a pupil-teacher and later taught in Wayby, Wellsford and Auckland. During WWI she became active in education politics, serving as President of both the New Zealand Educational Institute and the New Zealand Women Teachers’ Association. She contributed to syllabus reforms and was one of the first women appointed a Justice of the Peace. After retiring in 1927, she volunteered to support deaf and intellectually disabled children. During WWII she was active in patriotic and charity groups.

Blairgowrie Place, Leamington Named by John Nicoll, who subdivided the land for housing. His grandfather, Arthur Nicoll, was an accountant and partner in the building firm Speight, Pearce, Nicoll and Davys. Blairgowrie is Arthur Nicoll’s Scottish hometown.

Bowen Street, Cambridge East Named after Sir George Ferguson Bowen, Governor of New Zealand from 1868 to 1873. The first state house in Cambridge was built on this street in 1939.

Bracken Street, Leamington Thomas Bracken (1843–1898) was an Irish-born New Zealand poet, journalist and politician. He wrote the poem God Defend New Zealand, which became one of New Zealand’s national anthems.

Brooke Terrace, Leamington Named after Rupert Chawner Brooke (1887–1915), an English poet known for his WWI sonnets, including the famous Nineteen Fourteen.

Browning Street, Leamington Named after the poet Robert Browning (1812–1889) and his wife Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861). Robert wrote The Pied Piper of Hamelin, while Elizabeth is known for the famous line: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.”

Bruce Cochrane Lane, Leamington Named after Bruce Cochrane, the owner of Cochrane’s Transport. The business was started by his father Eddie in 1949 with just three trucks, and he specialised in transporting metal and stock.

Brunskill Road William Samuel Brunskill emigrated from Ireland and came to the Waikato in 1878. With his brother Henry, he purchased Pah Farm at Karāpiro, later trading it for Woodford, a 900-acre property at Taotaoroa. William married Maria Ewen in 1874, and they had eight children.

Bryce Street, Central Named after John Bryce, a New Zealand politician who served from 1871 to 1891. He was Minister of Native Affairs from 1879 to 1884.

Buckland Road, Karāpiro William Thorne Buckland (1819-11876), leased land from Wiremu Tamehana in areas including Taotaoroa, Karāpiro, Fencourt and Tīrau—collectively known as Buckland’s Run. He later acquired the Taotaoroa Block via the Native Land Court in 1866—the first private farmland purchase in Cambridge via the Court. He expanded his holdings by buying 50-acre lots from soldier settlers to build a sheep and cattle operation. His son, William Buckland, served as Cambridge Mayor from 1898–1903 and 1905–1910.

Buckland Place, Cambridge East Named after William Francis (Frank) Buckland, who was a progressive politician and served as Cambridge Mayor for two terms.
During his second term he oversaw key developments including the gas supply, drainage system, Victoria Bridge, municipal saleyards and the Town Hall.

Burns Street, Leamington Named after Robert Burns (1759–1796), the national poet of Scotland. Burns Night, celebrated annually on 25 January, typically features haggis and poetry readings, including Burns’ famous Address to a Haggis.

Byron Street, Leamington Named after Lord George Gordon Byron (1788–1824), an English Romantic poet and satirist. Notable works include Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage and Don Juan.

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Cambridge Park, Leamington In 1872 William Tucker settled in Cambridge. He joined the Armed Constabulary and bought one hundred acres at Pukerimu outside the Cambridge West town belt. He named the property Pengover. Cambridge Park is now situated on this site.

Campbell Street, Leamington Named after Thomas Campbell (1777-1844), a Scottish author of stanzas, sonnets and poems.

Carlyle Street, Leamington Named after Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), a Scottish poet, essayist, historian and philosopher. He wrote The French Revolution: A History.

Carter’s Flat, Cambridge East William Kennedy ‘King’ Carter was a tall, athletic American. He established a coach business in the 1870s offering passenger and mail services between Cambridge, Auckland, Rotorua and Taupo. He had a horse bazaar in Lake Street. Carter died in 1918 aged 95. His home was in Carter’s Flat.

Catalyst Avenue, Pukekura Named after Catalyst, a racehorse sired by the stallion Darci Brahma out of the dam Evana of The Oaks Stud.

Chapel Street, Central The street now known as Anzac Street was once named Chapel Street because Methodist and Catholic churches were situated there.

Chaucer Street, Leamington Geoffrey Chaucer (c.1342-1400) was an English writer, poet and philosopher. Considered a father of the English language and literature, he wrote The Canterbury Tales.

Churchill Place, Cambridge East Sir Winston Churchill was British Prime Minister and an iconic figure during World War Two.

Clare Street, Cambridge East William Clare joined the 3rd Waikato Militia in 1863 and rose to the rank of Major. He was Sub-Inspector of the Armed Constabulary and a Government Agent who consolidated scripts and borough land through the Land Courts for the Government. In the 1870s he was a Cambridge Cemetery Trustee, a Justice of the Peace, Chairman of the Presbyterian Church Committee and first President of the Cambridge Band. He was elected Chairman of the Cambridge Town Board and Chairman of the Building Committee for the Public Hall.

Clifford Close, Cambridge Park Sergeant Michael Clifford enlisted with the 3rd Waikato Militia and was granted land in Cambridge for his service. He received one town acre and 80 acres in the vicinity of what is now known as Cambridge Park.

Coleridge Street, Leamington Named after Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834), an English Romantic poet, literary critic and philosopher. He wrote Biographia Literaria, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Kubla Khan, and Christabel.

Commerce Street, Central A sub-division of commercial properties and businesses. For years the land flooded badly, requiring extensive engineering to drain and then seal the surrounding roads.

Constance Place, Cambridge East Named by Mr W Foote who subdivided the land for housing sections.

Cook Street, Leamington Eliza Cook (1818-1889) was an English author and poet. She was known as a poet of the working class. Her poems advocated for political freedom for women and addressed social injustice. She wrote Lays of a Wild Harp, The Old Armchair, and Melaia and other Poems.

Coronation Street, Cambridge East Named for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Corrielea Street, Cambridge East Major John Ramsay Stewart Richardson owned a property in Scotland called Corrielea. He came to New Zealand in 1875 and farmed at Whitehall and St Kilda Road before building in King and Grosvenor Streets. Major Richardson belonged to one of Scotland’s oldest hereditary titled families.

Cox Road, Roto-o-Rangi Edmund Blanchford Cox was born in 1853 in New South Wales and came to New Zealand as a child. In 1877 he married Miss Wilkin of Christchurch. They settled at Taupiri before moving to Roto-o-Rangi in 1906. Edmund served in the Armed Constabulary, was a Justice of the Peace, served on numerous committees and was an active member of St Andrew’s Church. The couple had eight children. This used to be the Old Constabulary Road from Redoubt Road and the only access for early Roto-o-Rangi farmers.

Cresswell Place, Leamington
Walter D’Arcy Cresswell (1896-1960) was a New Zealand poet, journalist and writer. He wrote The Poet’s Progress, Present without Leave and Lyttelton Harbour. His advocacy of poetry marked him as an influential figure throughout the 1920s and1930s.

D

Dallinger Court, Central Nina Kathleen Dallinger received awards for her voluntary work within the community. In 1974 Queen Elizabeth II invested her with the decoration of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and sanctioned her admission as a Serving Sister of the Order of St John. In 1965 Dallinger Court was the site of the first pensioner flats built in Cambridge.

Devise Way, Pukekura Named after Devise, a racehorse sired by Darci Brahma of The Oaks Stud.

Dick Street, Central The Hon Thomas Dick was born in Edinburgh. Under successive political administrations he held the following portfolios: Colonial Secretary, Education, Justice, Postmaster General and Commissioner of Telegraph. Several exclusive club buildings were located here, including the Lyceum, Federated Farmers and the Cambridge Club. The former club buildings are now offices.

Dickens Street, Leamington Named after Charles Dickens (1812-1870), an English novelist and social critic. He wrote Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield and A Tale of Two Cities.

Dillon Road, Roto-o-Rangi Captain David Dillon purchased a farm at Kairangi after World War One. The family has remained in the district. Captain Dillon, 18th Irish Retired served 29 years in South Africa, India and other parts of the world. Three thousand acres of Kairangi were owned by P C Threlkeld (Old Patsy) who grazed his one white horse on the property before it was subdivided for farming. Alec Hewson did much of the road work in the district and gravel was dug from Dillon’s quarry. Some of the approaches to bridges were a hazard to motorists, so the Road Board rearranged the bridges and changed the course of the river.

Discombe Road (formerly No.1 Crossroad) Thomas Walter and Florence Maud Discombe arrived here with their children (c1910) and farmed where the Cambridge Stud is today. Discombe Road was originally two roads – Selby’s and Tor View – until it was joined.

Dominion AvenuemOriginally known as Wharf Street as it curved from the wharf at the foot of Duke Street to Victoria Street. It was also known as Lover’s Lane.

Donald Lane Donald Graeme Lane Taylor was a pilot officer (RNZAF) who flew a Spitfire and took part in many raids over Germany. He was killed in action aged 21. This lane led to his parents’ property.

Drayton Place, Leamington Named after Michael Drayton (1563–1631), an English poet and playwright who wrote sonnets, theatrical plays and poetry (historical, pastoral, and topographical). He is buried in Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey, London.

Dr Tod Court, Cambridge East Henry and Kathleen Tod arrived in Cambridge in 1923. Dr Tod took over a practice on the site of the Cambridge Medical Centre. He served as a Cambridge Borough Councillor and Mayor in the 1950s, was chairman of the Electric Power Board and honorary surgeon to the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade. He was a charter director of Cambridge Rotary, a foundation member of the Cambridge Historical Society and held many other offices. Kathleen was awarded the Companion of Honour from the Red Cross.

Duke Street, Central Probably named after the Duke of Cambridge, Commander-in-Chief of the British Army when the town of Cambridge was established. One of the first hotels built here in 1865 was the Duke of Cambridge.

Dunning Road James and Mary Dunning lived here with their family in the Whitehall district in the early 1900s.