Attending the karakia for the new Mata Bridge were (from left) Mata School students, principal Te Riu Raihania, Jamie Kururangi, Mayor Rehette Stoltz, councillor Hamiora Gibson, councillor Anne Huriwai and Na Raihania. Photo / Supplied
Attending the karakia for the new Mata Bridge were (from left) Mata School students, principal Te Riu Raihania, Jamie Kururangi, Mayor Rehette Stoltz, councillor Hamiora Gibson, councillor Anne Huriwai and Na Raihania. Photo / Supplied
The second of up to five bridge rebuilds that are part of Tairāwhiti’s Cyclone Gabrielle recovery programme started this week.
A karakia and sod-turning ceremony attended by community members, councillors, contractors and Gisborne District Council staff took place on Monday at the site where the new Mata Bridge will bebuilt.
The bridge rebuild is part of the council’s $241.5 million Government-funded recovery programme.
The Mata Bridge was completely washed away by the Mata River during Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Supplied
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz said the milestone marked an important step forward for the local community and the council’s recovery team.
“I would like to acknowledge the Mata community and road users for their patience and support throughout this process,” she said.
“The loss of the bridge has had a significant impact on this community. Being able to cross the new bridge early next year will be a special and proud moment for everyone involved.”
The new Mata Bridge will be built stronger than its predecessor and designed for river waters to flow over the bridge deck. Photo / Supplied
The council said the new 70-metre, single-lane bridge would be designed to withstand a cyclone stronger than Cyclone Gabrielle.
“It will allow floodwaters to flow over the deck, with safety rails engineered to detach if submerged, reducing structural pressure during major flood events,” a council statement said.
The construction contract was awarded to Whangārei-based United Civil.
With the rebuild of St Leger Bridge already underway in Tiniroto, the start of construction at Mata Bridge will be followed by work on Grays Bridge in Kanakanaia in April.
Pauariki Bridge and Burgess Bridge are pending final funding approval, according to the council.
“At $107m, the bridge rebuild and repair package is the largest component of the council’s recovery programme. Other major projects include slip and dropout repairs ($52.5m), the Tiniroto Bypass ($45m), and roadside drainage improvements supporting iwi communities ($37m).”
