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Two new footbridges were opened at a double ribbon-cutting ceremony in Kaiwaka last month.
Blessed by local iwi Te Uri o Hau, the opening of the footbridges marks the completion of a project that started in 2020.
The footbridges run alongside State Highway 1 and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists wanting to get across the Kaiwaka River. They also improve connectivity around the township, so people can walk safely between shops, parks and cafes.
Representatives from community group Kaiwaka Can, Kaipara District Council, iwi, contractors, Department of Conservation, and Northland MP Willow-Jean Prime were all on hand to celebrate the opening of the footbridges.
A common theme through all their speeches was how good it had been to work with such a collaborative team.
Two new signs were also unveiled and blessed, marking the generous donation of two parcels of land by the McClean family. The first parcel of land was donated by Archie and Bessie McClean in 1947, which is now known as McClean Park. A second parcel was donated this year by John and the late Enid McClean to the south of the bridge, enabling access up to the state highway.
John McClean was present at the opening of the park in 1947 and was there at the ceremony last month to cut the ribbons and unveil the signs. He said it was a blessing to see the sign and thought his family would be pleased to see their donation acknowledged. He also unveiled a second sign commemorating his own donation.
“It’s been my privilege to donate it [the land]. The future use of it excites me. I really think it has got something special to offer,” McClean says.
“I’m quite proud of it, especially the fact it’s got my wife’s name on it. She walked past it every day on the way to school.”
The construction of the two 25-metre bridges was funded by a $750,000 grant from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit (formally known as the Provincial Development Unit). As well as the bridges, the funding also contributed to the construction of a landscaped pathway. Kaipara District Council contributed $150,000 to that project.
