Represented: Tawhana Ball (Dept of Conservation), Lynley Twyman (Timber Trail NZ), Paora Graham (Kaumatua / Mokai Marae ), Jo Boyd (Neighbour and Kaitiaki), Wiari Rauhina (Chair-Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Matt Andrews (Ngā Hapū o Te Hauauru), Karyn Hutton (Bike Taupō) and Jason Turner (Dept of Conservation)
Blessing the new Arataki Bridge
Since 1978, the old 36m Arataki Tramping Bridge crossing the Mangakino stream has been an important connection for trampers, hunters, conservationists, school groups and latterly cyclists.
The bridge was a source of challenge for many, and at times during peak bikepacking season saw queues of riders waiting and helping each other manhandle their gear and themselves across the past its use by date metal swing bridge.
Thanks to the efforts of Ngā Hapū o Te Hauauru - an entity within Ngāti Tūwharetoa Trust (representing the Western Bays) and the Department of Conservation, a new bridge was constructed this summer. The new 31m suspension bridge constructed by Edifice Structures features a nice wooden deck and is sufficiently wide enough for cyclists to roll their bike across!
A small group gathered on Tuesday 13 February 2024 to officially bless the bridge and acknowledge the Mangakino stream and the ngahere of Pureora and its place in connecting us to and caring for this important part of the taiao.
This is an important connection on the Centre of the North Island Heartland Ride connection Waikato River Trails and Timber Trail Great Rides.
Dennis Millard - on the Tour Aotearoa 13 Feb 24
Somewhat fittingly, the first rider across the bridge following its official blessing was Tour Aotearoa rider, Dennis Millard, who is a founding member of Trees for Survival, who work with schools and local communities across Aotearoa New Zealand to grow and plant native trees along waterways and at risk sites.
In the background is Karyn from Bike Taupō , a community organisation who voluntarily take care of the section through the bush up to the gravel road. It is this road that leads to the Centre of the North Island and onwards to the Timber Trail - Great Ride.
Queues of Bikepackers battling the old bridge
