Whakapono – Belief
Tumanako – Hope
Ko te aroha – Love
The Toki Bridge opening day (29th March 2022) for the Toki Bridge was a joyous and fun experience for everyone concerned. Ngāti Waewae presented a beautiful piece of West Coast pounamu “gifted to the people of Buller” in recognition of support for the bridge and what it brings to the community: “Whakapono – Belief, Tumanako – Hope, Ko te aroha – love”. A beautiful testament to the success of this project and how well it has been embraced by the local community.
The name chosen for the bridge “Toki Poutangata” (or Toki for short), describes a ceremonial adze of chiefly authority, and consists of a pounamu blade lashed to an elaborately carved handle. This styling has been carried through into the truss design of the bridge structure, with its distinctive tapered shape and green colour, drawing focus to the Buller River. The concept has support from local iwi Ngāti Waewae. It represents strength, mana, bravery and triumph, all traits and characteristics synonymous with the Buller district. Not only will the pedestrian bridge provide safe access over the rail, but it will also integrate a look-out platform so that visitors can stop to take a breath and marvel at the west coast landscape and Buller River. See here for more info: Toki Poutangata Pedestrian Bridge
Following the well received Toki Bridge opening, we hope this is the start of a great love affair between Westport and their new bridge. The baton now passes to the community to care for, appreciate, and enjoy the Toki Bridge.
– Client: Buller District Council
– Bridge Architects and Engineers: DC Structures Studio
– Geotechnical Design: Riley Consultants Ltd
– Project Management: CGW Consulting Engineers
– Surrounding Landscape: Local Landscape Architecture Collective
– Constructor: Westreef Construction
– Fabricator: RAE Engineering
– Technical Peer Review: Beca
Amazing photos courtesy of Daimon Schwalger of Nomadav.co.nz
