Abseil Access is extraordinarily proud to announce the completion of our 90th bridge – the Whitipoua Bridge over the Waipoua River in Masterton.
Opened on the 6th of September after being approved by the local council in 2020, the bridge will serve as an important connector for the Masterton community, allowing foot and cycle traffic to cross the Waipoua River with ease.
The occassion was marked by Mike Kawana of the local iwi with a karakia to bless the bridge. Adorning the siding of the bridge is 50 paewhiri (tōtara board carvings) representing past, present and future – these were provided by the Manawhenua Iwi lead by Sam Te-tau.
The bridge stands at 50m long and is rated to hold 100 people, ensuring it is capable of serving the people of Masterton strongly well into the future. The build team consisted of Matt Thom, Gerard Tarr, Mat Chalker, Ian Bowie and Geoff Henson who completed the project with aplumb.
Speaking to Stuff.co.nz, Masterton mayor Mayor Lyn Patterson said:
This is a beautiful bridge, with an important link to mana whenua that highlights the significance of the environment and the history of this place.
The AA team would like to thank everyone involved in the project, and the Masterton community for making bridge number 90 another successful venture. To find out more, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@abseilaccess.co.nz
