Colson Road

Colson Road runs off Smart Road in Glen Avon, New Plymouth. It was named for George Alexander Colson (1860-1934) who farmed in the area.

George was born in Fitzroy, the fourth of eight children, to Alexander and Mary Ann Colson. His parents immigrated to Taranaki from England shortly after their marriage in Northamptonshire in 1855. Educated in New Plymouth, George became a butcher and joined the New Plymouth Cavalry, taking part in the invasion of Parihaka under John Bryce in 1881.

After 16 years in the meat trade, George took up dairy farming on Smart Road. As well as tending his cows, he worked as a land valuer for the New Plymouth Loan and Mortgage Company and served as Director of the Mangorei Dairy Factory and Taranaki Co-operative Bacon Company. He was a steward of the New Plymouth Agricultural and Pastoral Association and exhibited cows, horses and dogs at local A&P shows, winning prizes for all three, including the coveted Best Dairy Cow.

His public service included several years as a Borough Councillor, membership of the Fitzroy Town and Hēnui Road Boards plus 22 years on the committee of Fitzroy School, not to mention involvement with the Taranaki Boxing Association and New Plymouth Jockey Club. George was also a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, a friendly society that provided financial support to members in times of need.

George married Clementina Jessie Thomason (1879-1943) in 1881 and the couple had four children: Arthur, who took over the family farm, Ingram, Ivy and Maude. George Colson died in his bed on 18 October 1934 at the age of 74 and is buried in the Presbyterian block of Te Hēnui Cemetery.

The earliest mention of Colson Road in the local newspapers appears in 1910, and metalling began the following year when the County Council granted residents the necessary gravel so long as they agreed to undertake the formation work themselves. The “coated” surface, so necessary for helping farmers transport their milk into town, was finally completed in 1935.

Colson Road is today home to The Junction recycling centre, Michael Mansvelt’s Jungle Nurseries and the SPCA. The old Colson Road Landfill was closed in 2020 and New Plymouth District Council is currently working with Ngāti Tawhirikura hapū on future development of the site.

This story was originally published in the Taranaki Daily News.