Hamilton’s new bridge marks King Tuuheitia as monarch dies

Friday, 30 August 2024

Hamilton's newest bridge, Te Ara Peka Peka, is a gateway to what will be the city's newest suburb.

As news of Kiingi Tuheitia’s death spread early Friday morning, tears flowed when his name was revealed on Hamilton’s newest bridge.

Hamilton’s connection with the Kiingitanga was especially poignant and grief heavy in the air as officials gathered for the blessing.

The latest infrastructure was named Te Ara Pekapeka Bridge, and blessed by mana whenua including Tainui representatives as the sun rose, shortly after the news of the Kiingi Tuheitia’s death.

The opening continued with a spokesperson saying they are very saddened, but know Tuheitia would have wanted the opening to proceed.

It was a sombre affair as the procession moved across the bridge, tears flowing as waiata and blessings were carried out. There was a hush over the crowd as the name was revealed and a plaque bearing Tuheitia’s name was uncovered.

Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate said the city had a strong relationship with the Kiingitanga given the city was so close to the seat of the movement and Tainui had major economic developments there.

Southgate was saddened by the death of Tuheitia.

A plaque on the new bridge Te Ara Pekapeka was unveiled on Friday morning which has Kiingi Tuheitia‘s name on it.

“I had been aware that he was unwell and that he was having a major operation, and I was thinking about him last night and wishing him well. I'm very sad to hear of his passing.

Mayor Paula Southgate and transport minister Simeon Brown pay tribute to Māori King Tuheitia.

Southgate would be heading to Turangawaewae to pay her respects as soon as she’s able to.

“I've really believed in partnerships, so I've gone out of my way to make sure that I understand what the king's office wants from Hamilton and how we work together. It's an absolute honour for me to be named on the opening plaque alongside King.”

Transport Minister Simeon Brown was also in Hamilton for the blessing, and paid his respect to Tuheitia.

“I think there's a lot of people here particularly in the Waikato mourning but across New Zealand. So we just acknowledge that, and acknowledge his family, who will certainly be mourning at this time.

Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate and Transport Minister Simeon Brown both have their names on the bridge plaque along with Kiing Tuuheitia.

“But it's important also to celebrate this significant achievement, acknowledge the role that he played in this bridge, and it's wonderful to see his name on the plaque which has been unveiled this morning.”

The bridge blessing and naming is an important step in unlocking the connection of Peacocke to the city.

Te Ara Pekapeaka Bridge translates into pathway of the bat, and that reflects the consideration that was given in the design of the bridge to protect pekapeka-tou-roa long-tailed bats that live in the Peacocke area.

The bridge has four lanes, including two transit lanes, separate pedestrian and bike paths. No piers are in the river, it has a Y shaped pillar on the south bank of the river, with the decking spanning more than 200m.

The four-lane bridge also has separate cycling and walking areas.

There are lighting and planting features to minimise the impact on the native long-tailed bats and the surrounding environment.

Southgate said it was a special morning because it has opened up Hamilton's newest and biggest subdivision for houses.

“This bridge is an amazing feat of work, it's taken a lot of work so kudos for everyone who's played a part in building this bridge.

The bridge is a multi-million dollar piece of infrastructure which will connect the city to new subdivision Peacocke - which will eventually be home to 20,000 people.

“But we already know we're short of homes as it is. We need 1300 new homes a year just to keep up. This will actually deliver many more than this, and then over time will become home to 20,000 Hamiltonians.”

The price tag for the new bridge was $166.6 million, which includes the surrounding transport network including pedestrian bridge, 1.6km of new and upgraded roads, wastewater pipes and a roundabout.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown also got to see what the Government had spent the taxpayer’s money on.

“It's a beautiful bridge and most importantly it's the connection it brings for the Peacock subdivision through to the city, and through to all of the economic opportunities and housing opportunities that's going to provide. Ultimately infrastructure unlocks land for housing and for economic growth and productivity.”

And asked if the region will see any more Government money, Brown said the Cambridge to Piarere Waikato Expressway extension is a priority.

“It’s one of the first seven roads of national significance that NZTA is identified for planning early works and construction to start in the next three years of this National Land Transport program, so that is a priority project.”

On Saturday there’s a public open day between 10am- 2pm, when people can check out the bridge.

They will be able to walk, scooter or cycle over it before it opens to transport at a later date.