Just how vital the Mangarere Bridge is to the five households on its eastern side really becomes apparent when it has to be closed for repairs.
A four-month refurbishment of the bridge was completed last month and the bridge officially reopened last Friday.
The $405,000 project was jointly funded by Rangitikei and Manawatu district councils. The bridge crosses the Rangitikei River on Mangarere Rd, a 9km no-exit road just south of Mangaweka which straddles the border between Rangitikei and Manawatu.
The suspension bridge was constructed in 1964 following the collapse of the previous Mangarere Bridge under the weight of cattle.
But unlike 1964 -when children had to use a flying fox to cross the river to school and farmers struggled to get supplies - a co-ordinated plan between the residents, contractors and councils helped the repairs run as smoothly as possible.
Cars were left on the western side of the 97m bridge and children were able to walk across in the morning.
But the residents had to plan their errands for Sundays and Mondays when the bridge was open and mail for the properties was delivered only as far as the bridge.
"These folk were great to work with," council senior project engineer Jim Mestyanek said. "They are old-school rural people who enjoy living where they do and know how to get on with life."
Mangarere Rd resident Helen King said service businesses had to time deliveries to suit the work schedule.
"We just had to work in. If we went out we had to go out at half past eight and we couldn't come home until 5pm," she said.
"People were pretty good about bringing other people's mail home."
Mrs King said it was great to have the work finished on what was an important bridge.
"It obviously needed doing. I don't think people realise how much stock goes out."
Elisabeth Bunn said co-ordinating school and extra-curricular activities took some planning.
"We'd just have to organise ourselves and leave vehicles over the other side." The refurbishment began on January 19 and was completed at the end of April. It was much needed as bolts had become loose and three-quarters of the concrete decks were broken.
The project was led by Bailey Civil with Calibre Consulting carrying out some design work.