Kaiwaka Footbridges

Connecting a community

PROJECT: Kaiwaka Footbridges CONTRACTOR: Bridge It NZ CLIENT: Kaipara District Council VALUE: $460,000

Members of the small Northland community of Kaiwaka have long dreamt of solving their safety, connectivity and accessibility issues.

They appointed Bridge It NZ, which has significant experience in solving complex challenges, to design and build two 24m footbridges. Heavy traffic on SH1 through Kaiwaka made it dangerous to cross the road and difficult to reach shops, cafes, bus stops and picnic spots at McClean Park. Two tidal waterways separate these amenities so dedicated footbridges connected to timber boardwalks and gravel pathways were designed to provide safe passage. Kaiwaka’s footbridge project began in August 2021 and was officially opened in March 2022. Kaipara District Council was the client, and Bridge It NZ was supported by its engineering partner, Tiaki Engineering Consultants. Key contractors include East Coast Bobcats, NPL, Parkers Transport and locally-based Landcare Services and LVF Engineering. Bridge It NZ helps clients unlock the potential of their land. These footbridges open up what this town has to offer – it can now be a picnicking stop-off on SH1, or the start of new district cycleways. A pump track is being added now that the area is safe and accessible and both footbridges and boardwalks have made an instant and long-lasting impact.