Central Hawke’s Bay District Council is putting $200,000 towards the rebuild of the Tukituki – Tarewa Swing Bridge, after community made it clear this was an asset they wanted to protect. 

The swing bridge was destroyed during a storm in March 2022. It crossed the river, joining the Waipawa and Waipukurau sides of the Tukituki Trails for cyclists, runners and walkers, and providing a gateway to other activities including the neighbouring mountain bike park.

The rebuild is estimated to cost $1.2m, due to sharp rising costs in the past few years on the back of disrupted shipping routes and the need for a higher bridge deck to be above river flood levels. There is also $565,000 from the insurance payout.

It’s a big leap towards reconnecting the 12km Tukituki Trails loop to entice both locals and tourists to take in the district’s breathtaking scenery, CHB Mayor Will Foley said. “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.” 

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 & our stunning coastline,” Foley said. 

Rotary River Pathways Trust, Trustee Ian Sharp said: “Receiving this money from Council gives us confidence we will raise the balance needed to rebuild the bridge. 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.

Tarewa, the name of the crossing gifted by mana whenua, was historically a place for gathering, and the original bridge was flanked by picnic areas where people would gather.