Grotto Street park now Hochstetter Pond

Hochstetter Pond: Following public feedback, the park located at 36 Grotto Street, Onehunga has been officially named.

From City Scene, published on 7 June, 2009.

Following public feedback, the park located at 36 Grotto Street, Onehunga now has an official name - Hochstetter Pond. The name refers to geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter, who identified the feature on his geological map of Auckland in 1859.

The site is a depression caused by lava flows from volcanic activity of One Tree Hill. The "pond" is seasonally filled with water and wetland vegetation. Recognising its geological, cultural and environmental significance, Auckland City Council secured the site in 2007. The council has kept the area weed-free and is working to protect the future of the site.

"We now have one name we can all use for this uniquely important site. It's great to have public feedback and the endorsement of the community board," says Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee. "Ferdinand Von Hochstetter is an important Auckland figure, and this acknowledgement of his contribution is very fitting."