Aranui community to officially open Ben Rarere Avenue on Friday (12 May)

9 May 2006

The Aranui community will mark another stage in the revitalisation of the area around Wainoni Park on Friday with the official opening of Ben Rarere Avenue.

The ceremony, being organised by the Aranui Community Trust, begins at midday on Friday (12 May) on the corner of Aldershot and Gosport streets. News media representatives are welcome to attend.

The new avenue, which runs through the park from Aldershot Street to Portsmouth Street, opens up the rear of the park. It is one response to community concern about safety in the park. High fences at the rear of properties have been taken down and new sections will back onto the park.
 
The new road is one element of the Aranui Community Renewal Project, a partnership between the Aranui Community Trust, Christchurch City Council and Housing New Zealand Corporation.

It was a community suggestion to name the road after the late Ben Rarere. The former resident of the area was a Maori Warden known for his hangis and for keeping an eye on the park.  His family gave permission for the name to be used.

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