Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has replaced the Old Māngere Bridge with a new and improved walking and cycling connection that will reflect what made the old bridge a much-loved and long-standing community asset, while creating an iconic new landmark for the area.
Known during construction as the Old Māngere Bridge Replacement, the bridge was gifted the name Ngā Hau Māngere by mana whenua to reflect the cultural history and landscape in which it sits. In translation it means the 'gentle lazy winds'.
The Old Māngere Bridge was closed in November 2018 after being used by the community for over 100 years. In late 2021, it was deconstructed and removed from the harbour.
Read more about the history of Old Māngere Bridge(external link)
Waka Kotahi engaged with mana whenua, communities, businesses and Local Government partners between 2012 and 2015 to find out what people loved about the bridge, how they used it, and what they wanted for the new one. The valuable community feedback has helped us shape the design and layout of the new bridge.
Ngā Hau Māngere ensures the important walking and cycling connection between communities is maintained and also creates an appealing public space, making travel through the area more accessible and enjoyable.
The bridge’s layout has been designed to promote safe and accessible use by a variety of users, including people travelling on foot or by bike, recreational users and people fishing. By maximising the views from the bridge, the connection to the wider harbour area and surrounding landscape is enhanced.
Ngā Hau Māngere also improves access to the Manukau Harbour and Māngere Inlet for waka, small boats, kayaks and canoes, as it has a higher clearance underneath.
To incorporate community feedback received, key features of the bridge include:
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2005-2011 |
Safety strengthening works to the Old Māngere Bridge and regular monitoring. |
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2012-2014 |
Design and community consultation for the replacement of the Old Māngere Bridge. |
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2015 |
Due to a noticeable visual change in its condition, a full inspection was carried out in December 2015, which catalogued the main defects on the structure. |
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2016 |
Consents lodged with Auckland Council. |
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Early-2016 |
Council hearing and appeals process. In January, a further assessment indicated that the outer part of the structure were deficient and a large load in these areas could place it under enough pressure to pose a risk to public safety. |
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Mid-2016 |
Consents granted from Auckland Council. In June, a fence was installed on either side of the central walkway to prevent loading to the edges of the bridge where crowd load would pose a risk to public safety. This enabled the bridge to remain open and the structure underwent inspections and monitoring to assess its condition. |
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2018 |
Improvements to the SH20 underpass were carried out to enhance the alternative route until the new bridge is built. In November, the Old Māngere Bridge was closed. |
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2019 |
Construction of the new bridge begins. |
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2022 |
Construction of Ngā Hau Māngere complete and the bridge opens to the community on 27 August. |
Read the list of frequently asked questions
