Waka bridge construction progresses above Kaiti Beach Rd, Gisborne

Contractors work on the waka, the main structural part of the 1000-year bridge above Kaiti Beach Rd, which is scheduled to be open for the public to use this summer. Photo / Wynsley Wrigley

The waka is emerging.

After a wait due to Covid-19-related issues, the large waka or 1000-year walkway bridge is taking shape above Kaiti Beach Rd.

On Monday and Tuesday, a ramp and the waka hull, prow and stern were installed.

When all installation work of the main structure is completed, further work such as the addition of safety railings, a staircase, lighting and a new footpath will be performed. This is expected to take another six weeks.

The open-air pedestrian bridge is located 6.3m above Kaiti Beach Rd with Puhi Kai Iti/Cook Landing National Historic Reserve on one side and Titirangi/Kaiti Hill on the other.

It has been shaped and carved to look like a waka.

The bridge will offer views of Tūranganui-a-Kiwa Poverty Bay where navigators arrived by canoe, waka, and ship over the past 1000 years.

The bridge will link tracks on the maunga to walkways around the inner harbour, which lead to walk and cycleways to Kaiti and Wainui, or to Kiwa Pools and town beaches.

The 1000-year bridge is getting close to completion with the installation of the waka 6.3m above Kaiti Beach Rd this week. Photo / Wynsley Wrigley

The $3.44 million development was externally funded with a Lotteries grant of $3.1m and a Trust Tairāwhiti grant of $343,000.

The collaborative project between Ngati Oneone and Gisborne District Council is part of the Tairāwhiti Navigations Project and was initially planned for the Tuia 250 commemorations in 2019.

The 1000-year bridge is expected to be open this summer.