Two enterprising men settled a large part of Birkdale. One has been overlooked. Rebecca Blithe checks the history pages
Soren Christensen could be considered an elusive character after slipping through the system of turn-of-the-century Denmark and settling on Auckland's North Shore. His records disappeared under the former Birkenhead council and he's missed out on having his land named after him.
But three grandsons of one of Birkdale's earliest settlers are determined history will not overlook him again.
In 1910, Christensen arrived from Denmark with a friend, Fred Anderson, and bought just under 9ha of land on what is now Rangatira Rd. He worked for the council, among other jobs, and raised a family on the land.
Now, almost 100 years later, a portion of the area remains Christensen land. Another section, sloping bushland to Soldiers Bay, was sold to North Shore City Council in 1997 for $10,000. After initial plans to name it Soren G Christensen Reserve were not followed through, the plot became known as Kauri Park extension.
This does not sit well with the grandsons who grew up on Soren's land. "The fact is, we're still here," says the youngest, Colin Prince, 54. "Our cousin, who is a Christensen, has bought and lives on the land, too. Our mother grew up here and was given land as a wedding gift by Soren to build this house. We grew up here and Peter still lives here. There's all this history. If the property had been sold [to someone other than council], it'd be different."
While Soren's buddy, Fred, has a reserve named after him in Valkyria Place, the brothers are disappointed their grandfather has not been granted the same honour.
Peter Prince, the eldest brother, says the family made a deal with what was then Birkenhead council to sell the plot of largely untouched native bush. At that point it was to be named Soren G Christensen Reserve. "We were approached by the Birkenhead council and they told us they wanted the land for its nikau grove.
"They said it was the best outside of Little Barrier. But then Dad became unwell and plans faded out until the 1990s," says Peter.
After North Shore City council bought the land, Soren's name disappeared from the agenda. Colin says plans to use Soren's name were lost during the transition from Birkenhead council to North Shore City Council.
"Not having Soren's name attached is disappointing. If we can't contest it, I'd be quite upset," says Colin, who wrote to Mayor Andrew Williams and to the manager of parks and reserves, Martin van Jaarsveld, imploring an explanation.
The mayor advised Colin to wait until the new council was established to contest it, but Colin did not get a reply from Mr Van Jaarsveld.
When The Aucklander asked Mr Van Jaarsveld about Colin's letter, he claimed he did respond and is unsure why the letter was not received. "It was definitely written and I remember going through it. I will send out another copy."
Mr Van Jaarsveld says the reserve will keep its current name but that policy may change under the new council, potentially making it easier for the brothers to contest.
"There's a lot of uncertainty around what is happening. He [Colin] can have an [parks and reserves] officer take an assessment looking into why it was named Kauri Park.
"Historically, North Shore City has never had a naming policy. Most of our new parks are extensions of existing parks."
Colin has every intention of making sure his grandfather doesn't miss out again. "I intend to take it as far as I can," he says.
"I'd like it to at least be looked at."
Herb aside
Tarragon Reserve covers land between Island Bay Rd and Balmain Rd. It is also awaiting a name change to Muriel Fisher Reserve.
The new name was suggested by parks and services committee chairman Tony Holman. Former North Shore Mayor, George Wood, has raised concerns that the Fisher family did not live in the area and it may be more fitting for it to be named after Soren Christensen.
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