Te Ara Pekapeka

To us this bridge offered an opportunity to represent the people of Kirikiriroa and offer them an experience of joy and delight. Our group of local designers, artists and fabricators have worked together to create a functional and creative expression of people who live by the river; both the people of our current time and the time before us. The sculptural form of Te Ara Peka Peka’s support structure makes a subtle reference to the traditional Maori kete bag used for the transport of locally grown produce once traded along the river. It also makes a subtle reference to the weaving of cultures; both the historic coming together on the beach for trade, and the current cultural diversity that is enjoyed in Kirikiriroa. As the Taurapa footbridge arcs towards the river, the traveller is lifted above the hum of the traffic below, offering an elevated glimpse over the mighty Waikato.This project presented an opportunity to collaborate with BBO on the design for the new bridge over the Waikato River to the new Peacocke's development. A focal point of the design will be on the user experience with a particular focus on pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge is not only thought of as a means to traversing the river but as a vantage point with places to pause and admire the beauty of the riparian landscape. The sculptural form makes a subtle reference to the traditional Maori kete bag used for the transport of locally grown produce once traded along the river. Acknowledging the weaving of cultures; both the historic coming together on the beach for trade, and the current cultural diversity that is enjoyed in Kirikiriroa.