Central Hawke’s Bay’s Wakarara reconnected as Fletchers Crossing bridge reopens two years after Cyclone Gabrielle

The Central Hawke’s Bay community of Wakarara has been reconnected nearly two years after its access was destroyed during Cyclone Gabrielle.

The rural area near the Ruahine Range was cut off after the road and true right abutment at Fletchers Crossing washed out, resulting in a complete road closure until repairs could be done.

Kate Taylor, a Central Hawke’s Bay District Council councillor and the chair of the transport and infrastructure committee, said the bridge was a vital lifeline for locals and the economy.

“This project is about far more than infrastructure – it’s about restoring confidence, connection, and stability to our rural communities.”

The Fletchers Crossing Bridge was officially reopened on Friday.

The project was funded through the $11 million North Island Weather Event Fund, with Fletchers Crossing one of four key Central Hawke’s Bay recovery sites prioritised for repair.

“The bridge is open to a pre-cyclone loading, it’s the first phase of three that will fully restore the bridge,” said Taylor.

She said the reopening of the bridge ensured immediate improvements in access and convenience for the community.

“This significant achievement provides immediate benefits while paving the way for further improvements.”

Alongside the work undertaken through the fund, the council will tick off over 30 roading recovery projects in the first half of this year, cumulatively worth more than $29m.

The council’s group manager for community infrastructure and development, Mark Kinvig, praised the collaborative effort behind the project.

“Reopening Fletchers Crossing bridge is a milestone moment for our district as it brings back normality and ease to the community, which is what a lot of the work we’re doing in the front end of this year will do.

“It’s not just about the structures – it’s about the lives they support.”

Kinvig said the team was working every day to ensure that “we’re not only restoring essential connections but also strengthening the resilience of our district for the future”.

Once fully completed, the upgrades will significantly improve the resilience of this key route against future weather events, providing safer and more reliable access for all users.