Ōtara Creek Pedestrian Bridge

This new pedestrian bridge was designed and constructed to replace an old walkway over a water pipe, and is a special example of how art and infrastructure can work together. The bridge features 17 stunning manaia (stylised figure used in Māori carving), each with a bird-like head painted in bright colours; these bold colours were chosen to reflect the diversity of the people living in Ōtara.

The concept for the bridge artwork is based on the story of Tara and the essence of manaaki tangata (care for the people) for those who visit the whenua (land). The vertical elements on the bridge are stylised manu (birds), standing strong and proud as kaitiaki (custodians or guardians) of those using the bridge. They also represent the many people who have travelled through Ōtara during its past, who have described the area as lush fertile lands filled with birds, and who hold these stories within their waiata (song).

The design of the boardwalk references woven patterns, which emphasise the bringing together of cultures and generations that still live, work and share the spaces of Ōtara. Diamond shaped coloured steel plates set into the wooden decking depict the changing colours of the day into night. The outer bridge skirting acts like a kete (basket) to hold the cultural integrity of Tara and his legacy of utu – which responds to caring for the whenua and visitors.