Bencard Place in Hoon Hay – Named after Christian Bencard and his wife. Norway Place was originally proposed as the name of the street in 1966. Bencard Place was proposed by the developer, John Taylor, in 1967, and it was officially named in 1968. Bencard was a Dane who married an English businesswoman and then lived at Gorgate Hall, East Dereham, near Norwich. During World War II, the Bencards entertained many servicemen and women at their home who were on leave, including John Taylor. He honoured the couple’s generosity by naming a street after them. Bencard Place first appears in street directories in 1970. Information on date of proposed name of Norway Place and naming of Bencard Place in letters sent to the City Librarian from the Town Clerk dated 13 December 1966 and 4 June 1968.
A reasonable amount of information from the library website and nothing that I can add about the name of the street. Papers Past had an article dated May 1972 when Mrs Bencard a widow visited New Zealand for the first time. She was thrilled that the street was named after her husband. The Bencards had a business relationship with a Mr Peryer and Mrs Bencard was staying with Mr and Mrs Peryer. The street name was approved in 1967 and street was previously named Norway Place. This was the only mention of Norway Place.
Looked like a pleasant street with nice houses but none stood out for me. Most houses were built in 1960s and 1970s with a few from 1980s and 1990s.
Lytteltonwitch's Walking the streets of Christchurch Project 