Whangarei is preparing for citizens to kick up their heels celebrating the opening of the new Lower Hatea River bridge with music and a parade.
Members of the public who were asked last year for ideas to ring in the big change on July 27 proposed a parade featuring pipe bands, brass bands, vintage and classic cars and community groups on the bridge while a flotilla of boats flew celebratory flags on the river.
"We have been thrilled to see so many people getting excited about the bridge opening," Whangarei District Council infrastructure and services manager Simon Weston said yesterday.
"It promises to be a memorable day with a few surprises thrown into the mix as well."
The new $32 million bridge is to be named at a council meeting today - with Te Matau a Pohe (the fish hook of Pohe) recommended - and Mr Weston said most requests and offers of help with its opening had been agreed to, except those where people were wanting to fundraise.
"We ruled that out because the bridge is owned by the public at large and is already being paid for by the public," he said.
Two main organisers have come forward from the community. Lions club representative Colin Twyman (09 435 0717 or 021 275 6995) will co-ordinate the land parade and Whangarei Marine's Brian Caulton (09 438 2033 or email whangarei.marina@xtra.co.nz) will co-ordinate events on the water.
"If you would like to take part formally in either of the parades or help with organising please contact Colin or Brian. We really appreciate their assistance and we know they will help to make it a great day, whatever the weather," Mr Weston said.
The official opening ceremony will coincide with high tide and will start at around 10.30am.
The bridge will be officially opened by Whangarei MP Phil Heatley.