More awards for new bridge

Whangarei's new bridge, Te Matau a Pohe, has won another international award.

Whangarei's new bridge - Te Matau a Pohe - has won more international design awards, less than a year after it opened.

The $28 million Lower Hatea Crossing, which opened last July, has this month won the the Jury Award and the Public Vote Award in the Architizer A+ Award (Architecture+Engineering category).

It follows an award in March when the bridge was one of 31 Award Winners at the Civic Trust Awards Ceremony in Blackpool, England.

Meanwhile, Whangarei's loop walkway from the Town Basin to Te Matau a Pohe and back is due to open in June and the public can come up with a name for the loop and associated bridge.

The walkway will include a new cycle and footbridge across Waiarohia Stream, connecting Hihiaua Peninsula to a walkway along the Port Rd side of the Hatea River.

WDC Group Manager District Living Paul Dell said the council is seeking suggestions from the public for inspirational names, ones that fit the area, the aspirations of the people of the district, its history and culture.

''We'd like people to send in the stories and thinking behind the proposed names so we can create a shortlist for Council to choose from. At the same time we will be working behind the scenes to get the official opening organised,'' said Mr Dell.

To suggest names for the bridge across the stream and walkway email mailroom@wdc.govt.nz or post it to: Loop Walkway and Waiarohia cycle and footbridge naming, Whangarei District Council, Private Bag 9023, Whangarei, 0148 by 5pm, April 17.