Dixon Street

Located in Te Aro, Dixon Street runs parallel between Ghuznee and Manners Streets, its length running from Taranaki Street to the Terrace. The section at the Terrace connects to the rest of Dixon Street via Dixon Street Steps, just above the intersection at Willis Street. 

Despite being spelled “Dickson” in the original plan of Wellington, the street is thought to be named after John Dixon, a member of the New Zealand Company. 

The section that runs between Cuba Street and Taranaki Street, which borders Te Aro Park, was previously known as Taranaki Place. Early settlers often referred to the local Te Aro Pā as 'Taranaki Pā' after mana whenua who had come to the area from Taranaki. 

In 1879, Dixon Street Steps were constructed to improve access between the city and the growing residential area on The Terrace. The founding of the suburb of Kelburn and of Victoria University in the early 1900s drastically increased use of the steps. Of Wellington’s hundreds of public paths, Dixon Street Steps is one of just two that are listed for their heritage value in Wellington's District Plan. 

In 1944, Dixon Street Flats were completed as part of an extensive state housing programme undertaken by New Zealand's first Labour Government. The building is considered to be one of the first examples of Modernist architecture in New Zealand and, therefore, a key development in the use of that style. On 27 June 1997, Dixon Street Flats were listed as a Category 1 Historic Place.