Christchurch has nurtured some of New Zealand’s most respected artists. So why has the Christchurch City Council opted to name three laneways in the performing arts precinct after birds, rather than honouring the legacy of those who shaped the city’s performing arts heritage? Chris Lynch spoke to board member Ali Jones. 

The Court Theatre has defended the new names for lanes at the Performing Arts area in central Christchurch, despite the names having nothing to do with theatre.

Christchurch community board member Ali Jones described the council’s decision to name three new lanes in the performing arts precinct after birds as “numpty nonsense.”

She said the names disregard the significant contributions of individuals like the late Neil Cox, whose efforts were instrumental in restoring the Isaac Theatre Royal.

Jones suggested alternative names, such as McPhail and Gadsby Lane.

David McPhail and Jon Gadsby were influential New Zealand comedians renowned for their political satire and sketch comedy.

They co-created and starred in the television series “A Week of It” (1977–1979) and “McPhail & Gadsby” (1980–1987, 1997–1998), which humorously critiqued political figures and societal issues, becoming cultural touchstones in New Zealand.

Jones also suggested Ngaio Marsh Lane.

Dame Edith Ngaio Marsh (1895–1982) was a renowned New Zealand crime writer and theatre director, celebrated as one of the “Queens of Crime” alongside Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Margery Allingham.

Born in Christchurch, she authored 32 detective novels featuring Inspector Roderick Alleyn, significantly contributing to the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.

Jones argued these artists deserved to have lanes named after them.

However, the council instead approved bird-themed names in Te Reo Māori: Pīpīwharauroa Lane (shining cuckoo), Pīpīpihi Lane (silvereye), and Kārearea Lane (New Zealand falcon).

Jones expressed her frustration with the process, saying, “Road naming policy has always emphasised a strong connection to the local area. These names reflect flora and fauna, but they don’t honour the people who’ve dedicated their lives to Christchurch’s performing arts.”

She added, “I’ve read the report, and while there is a loose connection with the precinct’s theme of plants and birds, it’s just not strong enough. People like Neil Cox and Ngaio Marsh have shaped this city’s arts scene—why aren’t we recognising that?”

The decision has drawn criticism from those who feel it misses an opportunity to celebrate Christchurch’s artistic heritage.

“The Isaac Theatre Royal wouldn’t even exist today without Neil Cox. It’s deeply disrespectful to overlook people like him who have given so much to the performing arts in this city,” Jones said.

Neil Cox was a pivotal figure in Christchurch’s performing arts community, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Isaac Theatre Royal from 2009 to 2018.

His leadership was instrumental in the theatre’s restoration, especially following the significant damage it sustained during the 2010-2011 earthquakes.

Cox’s efforts were crucial in preserving this historic venue, ensuring its continued role as a cornerstone of Canterbury’s arts scene

In the cultural report it said “migration paths of our many indigenous manu form central part of the cultural design approach in the Performing Arts Precinct.

“An aspiration is that the precinct actively encourages birdlife at its heart through the thoughtful choice of flowering and fruiting trees that provide sustenance for birds.”

 Jones acknowledged the council’s obligation to work with tangata whenua but argued for a more inclusive approach.

“Of course, we must honour our treaty obligations and consult local Māori.

“But that doesn’t mean we exclude other voices and histories. If these were bird names in Welsh, French, or Fijian, I’d still feel disappointed because they simply don’t reflect the performing arts legacy of this city.”

Jones also dismissed accusations that her opposition to the names was racist.

“I’ve already been called racist, and it’s a tedious argument. Someone even posted on LinkedIn accusing me and others of disliking Te Reo Māori. That’s nonsense. If people want a robust, intelligent discussion, bring it on, but I’m not playing that game.”

In a council report, it said alternative names were offered including other New Zealand birds.

“The project considered options for Māori playwrights who have contributed to New Zealand theatre, but the clear preference from the Court Theatre was to adopt the recommendations in the Cultural Design Report (birds).”

However, last year, council quietly introduced a new naming policy saying “Where a Māori name has been gifted by the Rūnanga or Iwi, that name is accepted.”

The word “gifted” also means payment.

During community board discussions in November, Councillor and deputy mayor Pauline Cotter proposed a compromise to keep Pīpīwharauroa Lane, as signage for it was already underway, and revisit the other two names.

While Jones supported the suggestion, it was not adopted.

“Pauline made a really reasonable suggestion to keep one name and open up the discussion for the others. I agreed with her, but unfortunately, the rest of the table didn’t.”

Jones said she felt the council missed an important opportunity. “We’ve got so many historic performers and contributors—Yvette Bromley, who founded the Court Theatre, for example. With the Court Theatre moving back to the central city next year, wouldn’t it have been fitting to honour someone like her?”

Despite her objections, the decision is final, leaving Jones disappointed. “It’s a done deal, and it’s such a shame. This precinct should be a celebration of Christchurch’s performing arts history, and this decision just doesn’t reflect that.”

Outgoing Court theatre Executive Director Grethchen Le Roche wouldn’t answer specific questions about the decision.

But in a statement said “The Court Theatre is proud of our history and our rich legacy.

“We are grateful to the many people that have played a part in making The Court Theatre the thriving and highly respected arts organisation that it is today. In our new home we will be honouring the legacy of those that have come before through the naming of spaces, artworks and other forms of acknowledgement.

“The Court Theatre were included in discussions with Council regarding the three laneway names in the public realm space. These laneways connect all parts of Te Whare Tapere The Performing Arts Precinct and are not exclusive to The Court Theatre.

The Court Theatre has been supportive of the cultural narrative that was created for Te Whare Tapere The Performing Arts Precinct since its development and believe that the city is richer for the reflection of multiple cultural viewpoints.”