History of Pegasus
Pegasus History & Names
Pre-Development
A pre-Ngāi Tahu pa was uncovered in the early stages of construction on what is now the Pegasus Township. A pa is a Māori village or settlement and this one is believed to be 500-600 years old. It is believed to have been home to the Waitaha tribe – one of the earliest acknowledged tribes.
Various other remnants and historical artefacts were discovered, such as, fence posts, house structures, hunting weapons and meal sites. A large amount of pounamu items were found which indicate that the area was a significant pounamu working site.
The settlement is also believed to have stretched as far back as the peninsula – offering a natural water barrier. The site is of huge Māori significance and all findings are planned to be kept in a whare taonga (treasure house).
Pegasus Development
The major groundwork started midway through 2006. The first home titles were issued at the start of 2008 and later that year, in September, the first residents moved in.
By 2010 the majority of facilities were up and running such as, the General Store, Pegasus Lake and the 18-hole Pegasus Golf Course and Sports Club. In 2014 the Waikuku Primary School shut and relocated to Pegasus under the name Pegasus Bay School which caters for students through years 1-8.
Originally the community began construction under Bob Robertson of Infinity Group. Todd Property Group purchased the town in December 2012. In 2020, Templeton Group purchased the Pegasus Development from Todd Property.
History Of The Pegasus Name
PEGASOS (or Pegasus) was an immortal, winged horse which sprang forth from the neck of Medousa when she was beheaded by the hero Perseus.
Pegasos was tamed by Bellerophon, a Korinthian hero, who rode him into battle against the fire-breathing Khimaira.
Pegasus and Bellerophon were also used in WWII. During World War II, the silhouetted image of Bellerophon the warrior, mounted on the winged Pegasus, was adopted by the United Kingdom's newly raised parachute troops.
During the airborne phase of the Normandy invasion on the night of 5–6 June 1944, British 6th Airborne Division captured all its key objectives in advance of the seaborne assault, including the capture and holding at all costs of a vital bridge over the Caen Canal, near Ouistreham.
In memory of their tenacity, the bridge has been known ever since as Pegasus Bridge.
Pegasus Street Names
What does your street name mean or who is it about?
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