He Ara Kotahi Bridge
A partnership between the Palmerston North City Council, Rangitāne o Manawatū, Massey University and the New Zealand Defence Force has resulted in an innovative flagship pathway across and along the Manawatū River.
Named He Ara Kotahi, the design is the result of an idea to create an iconic bridge and six-kilometre pathway to connect Palmerston North City, Massey University, research facilities and the Linton Army Base, and its use has exceeded even the highest projections.
He Ara Kotahi Bridge across Manawatu River.
Engineering professional services consulting firm WSP was in charge of all detailed design, community engagement prior to construction, environmental impact and assessment of environmental effects work, and management, surveillance and quality assurance
The bridge itself is 200 metres long and 4.2 metres wide, symbolising the trunk of a Karaka tree and featuring a piriri moth pattern.
Flared ends and handrails extending onto pathways represent roots and branches. Planted beds in the adjoining plaza are shaped to resemble karaka leaves, and karaka ‘berries’ are integrated into several locations.
The selection of materials, colours, planting and patterns express the character and local heritage of the Manawatū River, and the new bridge, plaza and intersection were designed to complement their location.
The site is culturally and historically significant to Rangitāne o Manawatū.
Te Aranga principles were a fundamental consideration for the designers. The site is a significant battlefield location and is close to a sacred Karaka Grove. There are references to the grove in the tree design and patterning of the bridge, and careful placement of pathways and information increases visitors’ knowledge and awareness of place.
“The support and contributions of Rangitāne o Manawatū was instrumental in community support and the final design narrative and theme,” Stefan says.
Care was taken to ensure a minimal physical and environmental footprint, particularly in the impact of the structure of the main bridge on the ecology and bed of the river, and the fauna in the vegetation alongside it. The number of piers has been deliberately limited, approach plazas and paths were built into stop banks, and the structure kept light to reduce pressure on the landscape.
With 5,000 users per day on average, people are visiting the river more than they would have previously.
He Ara Kotahi has won a number of awards including: 2021 Cycling Action Network On the Go Awards: Built Excellence in Cycling; 2020 Best Public Works: IPWEA NZ Excellence Awards;2020 Living Streets Aotearoa: Golden Foot Award; 2019 Trafinz National Award: Sustainable
Transport Leadership; 2017 New Zealand Planning Awards: Best Practice Consultation and Participation Strategies and/or Processes.
This innovative project collaborated authentically at all levels, with local iwi, council and community stakeholders.
“This pathway truly brings the people together providing a safe, direct and beautiful walking and cycling super highway connection to Massey University Campus (18,000 students & staff) and Linton Army base (2,100 staff). Ultimately the project has delivered a facility that is one of the most highly valued in the city. An outcome that connects the community both to, and across the river, and delivers transport, recreational, amenity, and cultural benefits to all residents.”