In November 2020 council delivered flyers to 1000 local households within a 500m radius of Kiriwai Place Reserve advising that consultation on all three options was now open. Youth, elder and disability advisory groups were also invited to submit feedback and a total of 135 submissions were received. 

Option 2 (masonry bridge) was the clear favourite and Bridge It NZ was subsequently engaged to construct this replacement footbridge. The bespoke design was unlike anything the company had done before and staff went to great lengths to deliver a bridge the Matua community would be proud of.

Stones from the old bridge were carefully removed during the demolition process and re-used on the new bridge which was located 6.5m further inland. Each stone (along with thousands of additional ones) had to be hand-placed – a process that took over 300 man hours. 

Bridge It NZ staff talked extensively to several concrete suppliers to source just the right grout required. By adding an oxide into the mix, they colour-matched the grout to the recycled stones from the old bridge to get the best possible finish. To top it off, Bridge It NZ went the extra mile to clear-coat the rocks so they would retain their colour and not deteriorate over time, ensuring maximum longevity. 

Despite initial opposition from some residents, the replacement footbridge was widely praised and council was extremely satisfied with the final outcome. Tauranga City Council Parks Asset Coordinator, Craig Fea, says Bridge It NZ helped achieve council’s best case scenario.

“BINZ 100% delivered on time and within budget,” Craig says. “With quality design and worksmanship, this project was delivered in a high profile public reserve and the professionalism displayed by BINZ during the build went a long way to minimising public concern about the replacement of a highly valued existing ‘heritage’ structure.”

One goal of the bridge replacement was to install a structure with a 100 year life span that could sustain ongoing coastal erosion forces and sea level rise. Craig says the final result achieved this goal admirably. 

“BINZ, in partnership with Tiaki Engineering Consultants Ltd, employ a number of highly trained and experienced engineers and technicians and the final product delivered reflects this, being technically sound and fully compliant.” 

Given the high level of public interest in this project, communication was a crucial part of delivering a successful outcome.

“Council was particularly impressed with the manner in which BINZ staff on site responded to numerous approaches from park users, often seeking clarification as to why the highly valued aging bridge was being replaced with a new structure, and it quickly became evident that BINZ staff were responding to these enquires professionally and with reassurance.” 

The construction site was also at a sensitive environmental area, on a high amenity public reserve and within an inter-tidal harbour margin. “BINZ presented to us for approval a comprehensive environmental management plan prior to commencement of works, and throughout the build displayed an acute awareness of the environment, in particular ensuring no work activities or materials used had any adverse effect on the harbour or sea floor.”

Local residents were also impressed with the finished result, with Chairperson of the Matua Residents and Ratepayers Association, Richard Kluit, congratulating Bridge It NZ for having maintained the style and character of the old bridge. “I think the final result is a fantastic job, well done.”

Bridge It NZ strives to help unlock the potential of land. Working collaboratively with councils and community stakeholders, they have completed many projects to improve community access. If you’d like to discuss your next project with them, get in touch today.