March 15, 2026

#regional: Funding Boost Moves Tukituki–Tarewa Swing Bridge Rebuild Closer

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 15, 2026

A much-loved swing bridge in Central Hawke’s Bay is a step closer to being rebuilt after the local council committed $200,000 toward the project.

The funding from Central Hawke’s Bay District Council will help progress plans to rebuild the Tukituki–Tarewa Swing Bridge, a key link in the popular Tukituki Trails network connecting the towns of Waipawa and Waipukurau.

The bridge was originally constructed by the Rotary River Pathways Trust and became a well-used feature of the trail, attracting walkers, cyclists and visitors to the region. It served as both a recreational connection and a gateway to the surrounding river and landscape.

However, the structure was destroyed in March 2022 when flooding swept the bridge away, cutting a vital connection in the trail network and removing a key attraction for the community and visitors.

Council leaders say the latest funding contribution marks an important milestone in the effort to rebuild the crossing, following strong feedback from the community that restoring the bridge is a priority.

The rebuild is expected to support the region’s outdoor recreation network and contribute to local tourism, particularly as cycle trails and nature-based travel continue to grow in popularity across Aotearoa.

The Tukituki Trails route links several recreational areas and provides a scenic pathway through the river corridor, making the swing bridge a central part of the wider trail experience for both residents and visitors.

Community groups have also played a key role in keeping the project alive. The Rotary River Pathways Trust, which originally led the bridge’s construction, has continued to advocate for the rebuild and is expected to work alongside council and other partners as the project progresses.

While the council’s $200,000 contribution moves the project forward, further work and additional funding will still be required before construction of a new bridge can begin.

Local leaders say rebuilding the swing bridge is about more than infrastructure. For many in Central Hawke’s Bay it represents restoring a shared community asset that once brought together cyclists, walkers, families and visitors along the banks of the Tukituki River.