Women’s suffrage inspires new name for city square

An Auckland city square will be renamed in September to recognise women’s suffrage.

Three new name options are being considered for Khartoum Place, in Auckland’s inner-city, and a final decision will be made this month.

The city square, which links Lorne St and Kitchener St near the Auckland Art Gallery, is themed around women’s rights.

A mural that represents the women’s movement in New Zealand was created in 1993, with 2000 tiles laid which acknowledge seven powerful women who fought for equality.

Women's suffrage centenary mural at Khartoum Place. Photo: Schariona Parker-Potoi

The National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ), which is known for working towards gender equality in New Zealand, has been involved with the name change.

“The women’s suffrage memorial is currently located in Khartoum Place and we think renaming it will really reflect upon it. Also it supports the change that has been mooted for many years,” said NCWNZ spokesperson Carol Beaumont.

Ms Beaumont said that changing the name to something that reflects women’s suffrage could also get the public thinking about what it means in this current day.

“There is a lot of history in that mural and it’s important for us to recognise and celebrate it,” said Ms Beaumont.

Waitematā Local Board member Pippa Coom said the name change would help recognise the suffragettes and link to the theming of the square.

“It is an opportunity to recognise a significant location for women’s history and in the city there are very few places named after women for their collective achievements,” said Ms Coom.

Local business owners support the name change, and said that it can help recognise the recreational area and mural.

Tony’s restaurant owner, Damon Ropata, said the tiles have been in the area for many years and believes the street name should change.

“I think renaming it to something that links to women’s suffrage would work better. I have been here for a while and they have managed to keep the tiles intact for all those years so they deserve to be acknowledged,” said Mr Ropata.

Assistant manager Hannah Valentine from Gow Langsford Gallery said she thinks a new name will reinvigorate the square.

“I think that it could help make the area more visible to the public and I think it would add more life to the place as well,” said Miss Valentine.

The square was originally named Coburg Place which came from the British royal family name ‘SaxeCoburg-Gotha’. In 1939, Coburg was changed to Khartoum Place, which is a name associated with historical figure Lord Kitchener.

Waitematā Local Board have chosen three possible name options from the almost 200 submissions received from the public: Suffrage Place, Te Hā o Hine, or one that uses a suffragette’s name, such as Kate Sheppard Place.

A decision will be made on a final name by the board this month.