Event Snapshot: Hastings District Moteo-Puketapu Bridge Re-Opening following Cyclone Gabrielle Destruction
On Sunday 24th August, I had the privilege of photographing the beautiful dawn blessing ceremony along with the official re-opening of the new Moteo–Puketapu Bridge, an important and much-anticipated structure spanning the Tūtaekurī River in Hastings. The event was filled with warmth and significance, making it a truly memorable occasion that marked a major milestone for the local community.
A large crowd gathered in the chilly morning air to witness the moment this vital link, which was destroyed during Cyclone Gabrielle, was re-opened. There was a real sense of pride and relief among the community as people came together to acknowledge the enormous effort that went into bringing this project to life.
Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst spoke of the bridge as both a practical connection and a powerful symbol of recovery:
“We are so excited to see the Moteo and Puketapu communities reconnected and thank them for their patience. This bridge has become a symbol – not just of what was lost in Cyclone Gabrielle, but of how far we’ve come together on the road to recovery.”
Cyclone Gabrielle destroyed 19 bridges and large culverts across the district, but the collapse of the old Puketapu Bridge was one of the starkest reminders of the devastation. Its loss left the community physically divided, creating long detours for school children, commuters, and freight. Unlike other damaged crossings, the scale of destruction here ruled out a temporary bailey bridge, so from the start, the goal was a permanent, resilient replacement.
Two and a half years later, the community finally has its new bridge: a stronger, two-lane crossing with a shared cycle and walking path. Built three metres higher than the original and with piles sunk 41 metres deep, the new structure is designed to withstand floods, heavier loads, and stronger earthquakes
The $28 million project was delivered by WSP and Fulton Hogan, with many subcontractors and crews working long days on site. Along the way, the team protected longfin eels in the river, hosted school visits, and even introduced the community to “Mr Mustard” – the giant yellow crane that became a bit of a local celebrity.
The bridge’s new name, Moteo–Puketapu Bridge, recognises the historic link between the two communities, dating back to 1906 when a swing bridge first allowed Moteo children to cross to school. From the project’s beginning, mana whenua hapū Ngāti Hinepare, Ngāti Maahu, and Ngāi Tāwhao have been involved, and soon a pou tipuna will be installed near the new viewing platform above Vicarage Road to honour their deep connection to the whenua.
The first school bus since the cyclone carrying children passes over the new bridge, reducing the round-trip daily commute time by an hour.
Mayor Hazlehurst told the crowd:
“It’s a lifeline, a reconnection, and a promise of resilience. It stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we work together, and it will provide safety, security, and contribute to the local economy for years to come.”
Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst cutting the ribbon and officially opening the new bridge.
Photographers Story
Capturing the imagery presented its own challenges, as the ceremony began in complete darkness. Shooting handheld with my Canon R5, I relied heavily on its in-body stabilisation (IBIS) and the very limited natural light available. During the procession, tikanga (Maori customary practice & protocol) required that the elders and kaikarakia led the way, crossing first. Out of respect, I positioned myself carefully to the side of the procession, ensuring I never moved ahead or disrupted the flow. Out of further consideration, no flash was used during the karakia and waiata, which allowed the moment to unfold with dignity and authenticity.
As the dawn broke, the scene shifted. The beautiful early morning light perfectly matched the spirit of the occasion. My goal was to capture the event in a documentary style, focusing on the raw ambience and emotion rather than staged images. What stood out most were the expressions of happiness and relief on people’s faces, a true reflection of what this bridge means to the community.
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The reopening of the Moteo–Puketapu Bridge was more than an assignment, it was a privilege to witness and document a community milestone that will be remembered for generations. If your business, organisation or community has a story worth telling, I’d love to help capture it with the same care and attention. Get in touch to discuss how I can create imagery that not only records the moment but preserves the emotion behind it.
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No publication or other use is permitted without prior written permission.
