Bid to save historic suspension bridge
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Feedback is being sought on options to save an historic suspension bridge near Oxford.
The Waimakariri District Council is consulting on the repair of the Wolffs Road suspension bridge at West Eyreton, which has fallen into a state of disrepair and is no longer safe for public use.
The bridge was built around 1948 for pedestrian access across the Eyre River. It has a category 2 rating with Heritage New Zealand.
The Cust and Districts Historical Records Society made a submission to the council’s 2021-31 long-term plan, which led to a site inspection and a bridge refurbishment report being prepared.
The council’s preferred option was to remove the timber superstructure, approach ramps and suspension cables, and clear vegetation.
This would leave the heritage fabric of the bridge, including the substructure and cable anchors to be refurbished, a council spokesperson said.
The cost of disestablishing the superstructure, was estimated in 2021, to cost $195,000, with ongoing maintenance costs of up to $2000 a year.
Any funding for the project would need to be sought as part of next year’s 2024-34 long-term plan or from external funding sources.
Feedback closes on Monday, April 17, at letstalk.waimakariri.govt.nz/
A report will be presented to the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board to consider making a submission to the council.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
-
59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
-
26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
14.5% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
-
46.7% Yes - we like to be prepared
-
43.3% Nah
-
10% This is on my to-do list!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
