12/05/2026
Street Stories: How Ronwood Avenue Got Its Name
Ronwood Avenue in Manukau is named after Ronald “Ron” Wood, a respected local government leader who played a major role in shaping the growth of Manukau City during the mid to late 20th century.
Ronald “Ron” Wood was born in Parnell on 6 October 1923, the second of three children born to English parents. When he was still young, the family moved to Wellington, where he spent much of his childhood in the Hutt Valley. He attended Hutt Valley High School and developed a lifelong love of sport. Ron played rugby and tennis and was also a talented swimmer, representing Wellington in competitive swimming.
During the Second World War, Ron became eligible for military service and joined the New Zealand Navy.
In 1946, he began his local government career with the Hutt Valley County Council as a senior clerk. By 1954 he had risen to the position of County Clerk. Five years later, in 1959, Ron was appointed County Clerk for the Manukau County Council. Following the merger with Manurewa Borough in 1965, he became the first City Manager of the newly formed Manukau City.
At his retirement in 1985, Ron reflected on his very first day in the role back in 1959. Mayor Hugh Lambie, after whom Lambie Drive is named, had asked him to purchase land between Papatoetoe and Manurewa, ensuring landowners, many of them farmers, were paid more than fair market value so they could relocate without hardship. While not every parcel of land was secured, the council successfully acquired much of the area, helping lay the foundations for the city’s future growth and development.
Ron also thanked the departmental heads and mayors who supported the city’s growth and progress over the years. Several of these individuals were later recognised through streets and parks named in their honour, including:
• Hayman Park, named after Michael Hayman, City Planner
• Clist Crescent, named after Eric Clist, City Inspector
• Colin Dale Park, named after Colin Dale, City Manager
• Davies Avenue, named after Stan Davies, Departmental Head
• Lloyd Elsmore Park, named after Mayor Sir Lloyd Elsmore
• Barry Curtis Park, named after Mayor Sir Barry Curtis
In retirement, Ron continued serving public life when he was appointed to the Local Government Commission under Sir Brian Elwood. The commission was tasked with reorganising local government structures throughout New Zealand, leading to many of the council amalgamations that remain today. Ron served on the commission for five years.
In 1989, Ron was awarded an O.B.E. for his contributions to local government and public service.
Outside of his professional life, Ron remained passionate about sport. In later years he enjoyed windsurfing, golf, and lawn bowls.
Ron Wood passed away on 1 November 2001. Ronwood Avenue in Manukau is named in his honour.
Source: Coral Wood, first published: Papatoetoe Historical Society Inc Newsletter: October 2021
