Kowhai Street (New Plymouth)

Kowhai Street is located in Strandon, one of the original streets in an early subdivision known as Chilman’s Estate.

The ambitious development comprising 46 sections was surveyed and advertised for sale in 1899. The auction was organised by Newton King Ltd. on behalf of the beneficiaries of the estate of the landowner, the late Richard Chilman.

The sales pitch promised that this was “without exception the finest piece of land for building sites near New Plymouth and has the advantages of the Fitzroy Bus passing hourly”. Nine sections of varying sizes on either side of Kowhai Street were available, with lot 1 on the corner of Devon Street being the largest, at just over an acre.

The only explanation we can find for the tree-named theme of the streets is that the natives were said to flourish in the local area. The kōwhai is one of New Zealand’s best-known native trees, particularly notable for its bright yellow flowers appearing in spring. Kōwhai grow widely throughout New Zealand in a diverse range of habitats and native birds feast on their leaves and flowers.

Kowhai Street was home to one of New Plymouth’s most influential women of her generation, Elise Andrews (1888–1948).

A passionate educationalist, pacifist and feminist, Elsie was born in Huirangi and began teaching at Fitzroy School in 1912, at one stage in charge of 80 pupils in one class. As her career progressed so did her determination to agitate for social change.

Whether it was questioning the education system, supporting pacifism during the Second World War (during which two of her nephews were killed) or campaigning for equality for women, Elsie did everything with a fierce sense of purpose. Former Victoria University professor Dr Alison Laurie regards it as “very important that future generations of women learn about her life and activism”.

Elsie and her partner Muriel Kirton moved to Kowhai Street around 1922. After Elsie died in 1948, Muriel continued to live there until her death in 1980.

The house the two women lived in still stands in Kowhai Street, however it was moved to the rear of the section when the property was subdivided