The karakia and sod-turning ceremony for the new bridge was attended by community members, mana whenua, contractors, the Mayor and council staff.
The karakia and sod-turning ceremony for the new bridge was attended by community members, mana whenua, contractors, the Mayor and council staff.
The rebuild of Grays Bridge near Te Karaka has begun with a karakia and sod-turning ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by community members, mana whenua, contractors, Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz and Gisborne District Council staff.
Grays Bridge, on Bruce Rd, Kanakanaia, will be the third bridge to start constructionas part of the council’s $241.4m Cyclone Gabrielle recovery programme.
Resident Esther Richardson said there will be a sense of security that normality will resume with a new bridge.
“We’ve made it work over the last three years, but it’s taken its toll - medical events included,” she said.
“When the bridge is completed, it will be such a relief for us all to not have to worry every time it rains.”
An artist's impression of what the new Grays Bridge will look like. Photo / Supplied
In a statement, Stoltz said while most of Tairāwhiti has moved forward, there were many communities still dealing with the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.
“We can’t underestimate the toll this recovery has taken on these communities,” she said.
