An artist's impression of the Tukituki-Tarewa Swing Bridge. Photo / CHB District Council
An artist's impression of the Tukituki-Tarewa Swing Bridge. Photo / CHB District Council
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council is putting $200,000 towards rebuilding the Tukituki-Tarewa Swing Bridge.
It comes after the community made it clear they wanted the asset protected after it was destroyed during a March 2022 storm.
CHB Mayor Will Foley said it was a big leap towardsreconnecting the 12km Tukituki Trails loop to entice locals and tourists to take in the district’s scenery.
“The swing bridge gave people a reason to get on their bike or put on their running shoes and enjoy Central Hawke’s Bay,” Foley said.
“It was also another reason for tourists to visit the district.”
The rebuild, which needed to accommodate a higher bridge deck above river flood levels, would cost about $1.2m.
There was $565,000 available from the insurance payout, which was the cost to build like-for-like in March 2022.
A community fundraising campaign supported the original Tukituki-Tarewa Swing Bridge and then gifted it to the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, as one of its assets.
When it was destroyed, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council gave the insurance money back to the Trust, and the council put the money in an interest-bearing account while a decision was made.
Ian Sharp, left, and Will Foley both believe the Tukituki-Tarewa Swing Bridge between Waipawa and Waipukurau is a great connector and tourism asset for the region. Photo / Central Hawke's Bay District Council
Reconnecting the loop would improve the trail users’ experience, Foley said.
Hawke’s Bay was named as one of nine hero regions in Tourism New Zealand’s latest campaign in Australia, targeting the cycling tourist dollar.
“We want a piece of that dollar. The knock-on benefits to our district, people and businesses would be tenfold.
“We want plenty of reasons for people to stay, play and shop here, and this bridge will add to that, complemented by the Ruahine ranges and our stunning coastline,” Foley said.
Rotary River Pathways Trust trustee Ian Sharp said the bridge crossed the river, joining the Waipawa and Waipukurau sides of the Tukituki Trails.
It was a tool for community connection, used by cyclists, runners and walkers. It was also a gateway to other activities, including the neighbouring mountain bike park.
“Receiving this money from council gives us confidence we will raise the balance needed to rebuild the bridge,” Sharp said.
“We are looking to launch our fundraising campaign in about three weeks’ time and will once again be asking for the support of our community.
“This is a project very dear to the heart of our district, and we are very keen to get it underway.”
