New Zealand’s Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board has honoured its Sikh residents by naming a passage off Redoubt Road in Manukau City as ‘Waheguru Lane.’
This is the result of the initiative of Sunshine Homes Limited which developed 18 new houses in the area.
Earlier, the developer selected three names – Bhagat, Mohammed, and Nanak – that were closely associated with India’s cultural values. However, after further deliberation, these were changed to Simran Lane, Harkirat Lane, and Waheguru Lane for the private roads at 42, 42A, and 42B Redoubt Road.
Former Member of Parliament and current Otara Papatoetoe Local Board Member Dr Ashraf Chaudhry has been instrumental in getting approvals for Indian-origin names. He told local media:
“Naming of roads and streets in new housing developments is a recent expression of celebration of diversity. Local Councils have the right to give names to new streets and roads being built.”
Around 50% of the population of South Auckland is home to South Asian origin residents, especially in the areas of Manukau, Mangere, Manurewa, and Papatoetoe. Earlier, the local council had also approved Diwan Lane, Shahkot Way, and Deepak Lane in the South Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe.
