Save Waikawa footbridge

Comments

#201

I have a property in Waikawa and value the addition of the footbridge to the wider community

Tarin Walker (Wellington, 2024-10-08)

#206

This bridge is the heartbeat of the beach, community and district. Without it Waikawa beach is dead

Marty Yaxley (Manakau, 2024-10-08)

#208

I visit family in Waikawa and the bridge is necessary at times being the only access the beach and wetlands

Sonia Cahill (Hastings, 2024-10-08)

#211

My partner, toddler, and I live permanently in Waikawa Beach and use the footbridge at least every two days during winter. During summer, we use the footbridge for return trips to the beach at least twice a day. Over winter we see people we know who also live in the community using the bridge, often in the mornings from 6am onwards. We also see people who we know who live in Ohau, Otaki, and Levin regularly using the footbridge. It would be an immense loss to the Waikawa Beach and wider Horowhenua community to lose the footbridge. Particularly given the investment in the very nice facilities at the adjacent reserve, which again, we regularly see people using for large gatherings and also utilising the footbridge. There is not really an equivalent foot access option, as people walking their dogs or arriving with families from outside the village need the parking area that is provided.

Sean Stack (Waikawa Beach, 2024-10-08)

#212

This is our local beach and that bridge is THE public access to the beach that doesn’t cross private property. Adequate up keep of the bridge is viral!

Sabrina Rigg (Manakau, 2024-10-08)

#215

My family and I love crossing this bridge to access and enjoy the river, beach, dunes and pine trees. It would be a huge loss to not have that pedestrian access!

Helen Orange (Wellington, 2024-10-08)

#216

This bridge holds so many memories

Lesley Mudgway (Upper Hutt, 2024-10-08)

#219

Because we use the bridge a few times a week and it’s a perfect walk to the beach with the dog.

Jojo Hare (Waikawa beach, 2024-10-08)

#220

The bridge is the only connection to the beach and is highly used and valued by the Waikawa community

Jane Black (Wellington, 2024-10-08)

#221

I use the bridge with my family regularly.

Dave Sutich (Wellington, 2024-10-08)

#222

We use the bridge all the time - it is our main way of getting to the beach - we would have significantly more difficulty getting beach access without it - there are always many people using the bridge and do not understand why this would not be prioritised as something to maintain especially given the issues with other access points.

Poppy Law (Wellington, 2024-10-08)

#223

I use the bridge regularly to access the beach while walking my dogs

Suzie Inskeep (Manakau, Levin, 2024-10-08)

#228

The bridge is used a lot and needs saving

Sara Smith Smith (Lower Hutt, 2024-10-08)

#229

We use this bridge all the time have been using it for fifty years. And I can say that the bridge is very well used. Very rarely do we go down and there is nobody around. The car park nearly always has several cars there.

Vivienne Gunning (Levin, 2024-10-08)

#232

Hi- I can’t imagine a waikawa beach without our beloved footbridge.
I use this everyday when I walk my dog. And it’s a lovely hub where people meet and chat.
It’s not just about the locals here, the footbridge is an essential link for visitors to connect with the beach. This is where we see parents and grandparents fishing with their young children. Teenagers eeling at night. Couple in their 80s pulling up with a thermos and white baiting.
Please don’t even consider demolishing this bridge without a replacement plan in the pipeline. Please don’t take this bridge for granted. It is what keeps our community connected on many levels.
Thanks

bronwyn eichbaum (Waikawa beach, 2024-10-08)

#234

Having the bridge makes it easier to get around the local area

Elva McLay (Rolleston, 2024-10-08)

#235

I live here in my holiday home with my family a lot during the year.

Katja Nijmeijer (Waikawa Beach, 2024-10-08)

#239

This foot bridge is used alot by families from waikawa beach and many other districts i used it everyday when I was living dwn waikawa beach i agree money should be put 2wards this bridge from the council to maintain a safe environment also letting the community enjoy the beautiful beach.

Chrissy Brown (Manakau/levin, 2024-10-08)

#241

I use that bridge a lot and I cant imagine not having it

Simon Langham (Wellington, 2024-10-08)

#246

I’m signing because I have grown up here my whole life. My grandparents brought the beach house back in the 70s and now my parents live there. We use this bridge every day when we are there and it provides the only access to the other side of the beach except when the river is low enough to allow crossing. It is important to maintain this bridge so that generations to come can access the forest, the sand dunes and the other side of the beach. It is one of the most beautiful walks.

Azure Ford (Waikawa Beach, 2024-10-08)

#248

We have a local property and love the footbridge!

Bex Gilling (Porirua, 2024-10-08)

#249

The footbridge has enabled me, and many others access to the dunes and walking tracks on the north side of the river, and to the forest area - a much enjoyed shady and cool area in the middle of summer.

Paulene Gibbons (Lower Hutt, 2024-10-08)

#250

The footbridge us an essential access over to Waikawa Beach for frequent walks with family and friends , especially those who are less able to walk through the dunes, and especially for young children in buggies. With current access at the end of Manga Pirau being a little more problematic for those less able on their feet, elderly and young, the bridge gives access to the river and the beach, which is certainly an important part of the Waikawa Beach vibe.

Margie Beattie (Levin, 2024-10-08)

#252

I use the foot bridge daily to walk my dog on the beach. The footbridge is the only access to the beach now that the southern access has been removed

Lisa Wilson (Waikawa Beach, 2024-10-08)

#253

This bridge is an important community asset and needs to be maintained in support of ongoing pedestrian access to the North side of Waikawa stream. This is a very well-used asset.

Richard Hickman (Waikawa Beach, 2024-10-08)

#259

The bridge is the only way residents at the northern end of Waikawa can get to the beach.

Elizabeth Goodwin (Waikawa, 2024-10-08)

#260

Save our Waikawa Beach footbridge! It's well used and is critical to our community! We use it every week to go for walks down the beach. Even more important now as the access down Manga Pirau Street has gone.

Steve Grant (Waikawa Beach, 2024-10-09)

#262

I would hate to see the bridge go, as I walk across it every day, sometimes twice a day. It is the easiest access for me and my husband at our time of life to use and a very pleasant walk once you get over the bridge, that you don't get at the southern end of the beach.

Wendy Clarke (Waikawa Beach Levin, 2024-10-09)

#263

I have been to Waikawa at least twice a year every year for 15 plus years. We always use the bridge and see others also using it. It is definitely well used.

Debra McCarthy (Upper Hutt, 2024-10-09)

#265

I use the bridge all the time.

Carol Kortens (Manakau, 2024-10-09)

#266

I have been holidaying and spending most weekends up at Waikawa Beach since I was 9 years old, I am now 65. My parents owned property up there when I was growing up as did all my relatives. I owned a place when I turned 23 it is a very spiritual place to all our family. The bridge across the river is an essential need obviously, to get to the most beautiful part of the beach. Also the bridge for many years has also been used for jumping off into the deep hole and for young children to fish from. It is scenic, iconic, historic and essential that it remains. My family and now my grandchildren use it regularly and as I am now a diabetic couldn’t be without it.

Rebecca Williams (Wellington, 2024-10-09)

#267

I use the footbridge up to 3 times a week to access the northern end of Waikawa beach when I go for walks.

Tina Mullins (Otaki, 2024-10-09)

#268

My husband, myself and Islay use the Waikawa foot bridge to access the north beach three times a week on average over a year. When we have visitors a trip to the beach via the bridge is a “must do”. The quality of our lives would be diminished if we lost this bridge to access the beach.

Helen Naylor (Manakau, 2024-10-09)

#270

I grew up using the bridge and it was the key to adventurous and happy summers

Cait Lawrence (Palmerston North, 2024-10-09)

#271

This bridge is an essential way to access the beach, particularly for the elderly and disabled.

BRONWYN BARRINGTON (Lower Hutt, 2024-10-09)

#277

I frequently use the bridge

Garth Flores (Levin, 2024-10-10)

#281

I'm a user of the bridge.

Julian Webster (Manakau, 2024-10-10)

#283

Because I use the bridge frequently to access the beach and walks. I want to keep the bridge.

Caitlin Plummer (Wellington, 2024-10-10)

#284

I’m signing because I have a Bach at Waikawa Beach and access to the northern part of the beach is important to my life at the beach. We use it regularly/ daily for walks and access to the beach.

Cathy Robinson (Droitwich, 2024-10-10)

#286

There is absolutely no question, this bridge is a must for the community!

Paul Cameron (Manakau, 2024-10-10)

#288

We use the Waikawa footbridge frequently to gain access to the river, the beach, the pine forest and the sand dunes with our children and grandchildren. Our use of the bridge will only increase now that beach access at the end of Manga Pirau St has been closed off. Not having the bridge will simply limit access to that side of the beach.
In addition, if the bridge is also closed, the beach access at the end of Strathnaver Drive will be the only point of access and this area will then become a carpark for everyone which will become a major issue.
From a safety perspective (eg tsunami wave that came up the stream a couple of years ago) the bridge provides rapid access from the far side of the stream as an escape route.

Richard & Nicola Curtis (Whanganui, 2024-10-10)

#289

I support keeping the bridge access to this beautiful beach spot.

Rebecca Rolston (Nelson, 2024-10-11)

#291

I use this bridge to access the beach on the northern side of the Waikawa river.

Josie Knight-Maclean (Waikawa, 2024-10-11)

#293

This access is much needed & loved!

Dj Girl (Hikurangi, 2024-10-11)

#294

This bridge has a long history, with it's predecessor appearing in NZ made Movie "The God Boy".
The Area over the river is a great place for the children to play with a natural bowl providing oversight.

Randall Prentice (Palmerston North, 2024-10-11)

#295

I use the bridge frequently, it is the only access to the north beach and I regularly see many others using the bridge. Save Waikawa Bridge.

Julia Day (Featherston, 2024-10-11)

#300

Because I heard about it at the bridge from some locals :)

Eleanor McGechie (Wellington, 2024-10-12)

#304

I want this important footbridge saved

Ben Hubbard (Vernon, 2024-10-13)

#305

I love this bridge and used it every time I’m in Waikawa

Aggie Rogozinska (Vernon, 2024-10-13)

#308

I live at 501 Waikawa Beach rd and loved having the ability to walk my dogs easily and surf cast without needing to carry everything.

Boyd Wallace (Levin, 2024-10-13)

#309

We use the bridge often.

Zac Reid (Whanganui, 2024-10-13)

#312

I have enjoyed the waikawa footbridge as a child and hope that my own children will enjoy it also.

Jonathon Tate-Rushworth (Palmerston North, 2024-10-13)

#319

The area has limited sea access, this will further reduce access

Kevin Broome (Wellington, 2024-10-13)

#320

I use the bridge multiple times a day. It is the only place to access the beach and dog walkers from all over Horowhenua use this on a daily basis.

Michelle DISTON (Wellington, 2024-10-13)

#327

access to beach here in waikawa is limited and it is my current access to beach.

Karen Belsham (Levin, 2024-10-14)

#330

As a ratepayer. Beach access for visitors and others not lucky enough to have properties accessible to the beach should be maintained.

Gwyn Jones (Waikawa, 2024-10-14)

#331

I live in waikawa and use this bridge. Would be nice if my pram fit better over bridge.

Zach Madrid (Waikawa, 2024-10-14)

#332

I use this bridge.

Neil Andrews (Wellington, 2024-10-14)

#335

I'm signing because I have enjoyed Waikawa beach since the 1980s as a beautiful recreation destination with family and friends. I can well remember when we had no bridge 1990 to 1992 and it was really challenging to access the beach then. I want future generations to enjoy this special environment.

Margy-Jean Malcolm (New Plymouth, 2024-10-14)

#336

I have been visiting Waikawa beach since I was a child and continue to do so. The walk across the bridge and the access to the quieter car free side of the beach is essential for those of us who appreciate a safe and quiet beach time.

Andrew Clark (New Plymouth, 2024-10-14)

#337

I support the submission of the Waikawa Beach Rate payers Assn

Richard Petersen (Wellington, 2024-10-14)

#341

I am a homeowner in Waikawa and use the footbridge every day when i am at Waikawa. It is pedestrian access to the beach for locals and visitors and a wonderful footbridge.

Sarah Andrews (Wellington, 2024-10-15)

#343

We need access now we have lost the vehicle one

Amanda Dowling (Alexandra, 2024-10-15)

#347

The footbridge is the only access to the sand dunes and beach north of the Waikawa Strea, and as thus us very important foe the community

Andrew Dowling (Waikawa Beach, 2024-10-16)

#348

The Waikawa footbridge is an essential part of the Waikawa beach community .

Traci Davis (Levin, 2024-10-16)

#352

I'm signing because the footbridge is important to the waikawa beach settlement as well as to the wider community who visit and recreate in the area.

Awhina Rushworth (Whanganui, 2024-10-17)

#356

I believe the retention and maintenance of the footbridge is an essential public good.

Mary Slater (Wellington, 2024-10-18)

#357

The footbridge is the main way most of us access the beach and it's used all the time by so many people.

Emily Woolford (Wellington, 2024-10-18)

#358

I’ve used this bridge all of its life

Atunaisa Varani (Wellington, 2024-10-19)

#360

My whanau have had a house here at Waikawa beach for over 20years and have always used the foot bridge to access the beach. Other than crossing the river there is no other way across! It allows families access to the beach, away from from vehicles where they are safe and can enjoy the beautiful area.

Steph McGhie (Upper Hutt, 2024-10-19)

#362

Because all the townies moaned and got the other beach entrance closed and this is the only safe way onto the other side of the stream , unless you’s are gonna pay and have a boat running 24/7 to get people across

Hunter Austin (Otaki, 2024-10-19)

#365

This is an one of a kind bridge with access to the beautiful woods, the fantastic dunes & the wide beaches directly at the ocean.
As a visitor from abroad I've been there, seen it, experienced it! Don't make the civilians lose their lovely entrance to their wonderful nature!

Harry Eskes (Dordrecht, 2024-10-19)

#366

I live in Waikawa, and I witness the high volume of people that utilise the bridge each day

Rory Byrne (Waikawa beach, 2024-10-19)

#371

I cross that iconic bridge most weekends with a group of talented local youth athletes that I coach. I also teach at the local school and we have visited several times. On a personal note I love visiting there with my family as well.

Lorne Singer (Manakau, 2024-10-19)

#373

The bridge needs to get replaced not just for the community but for all the visit. The safety for people should be taken seriously and making sure this bridge is maintained properly is a must.

Rachel May (Wellington, 2024-10-19)

#375

Our family and our Playcentre love going over the bridge to play in the woods, along the side of the estuary, down to the sand dunes and to the beach. Losing this access would be really sad.

Carys Brenin (Ōtaki, 2024-10-19)

#376

We visited Waikawa monthly to monitor the birds for the international bird Atlas for over 5 years, with the count only being completed June 2024.We still visit, like today for the simple pleasure of enjoying this remarkable area. I think a pedometer would clearly show that the bridge is extremely well used. Maybe it is time for the Waikawa ratepayers to petition for a boundary change from Horowhena to the Kapiti Coast as it would be a better fit with Kapitis endorsement of quality services.

Iola Haggarty (Palmerston north, 2024-10-20)

#378

It’s a huge part of what makes Waikawa special.

Tracey Savage (Otaki, 2024-10-20)

#380

I am signing because I simply can't believe Council is considering to remove a vital piece of Waikawa Beach's infrastructure that I use on an almost daily basis!
Not only allows the bridge access to a large part of Waikawa Beach for walking and recreation, it also becomes the main access point to the beach when others are disabled by tides or changes in the river flow.

Daan Kolthoff (Wellington, 2024-10-20)

#381

I’m a regular visitor to Waikawa and the footbridge is an integral part of access for the lovely walks that I use. There are always people crossing crossing the bridge when we are there. It is a well used and valued community asset!

Helen Gray (Levin, 2024-10-21)

#382

My family have visited Waikawa Beach once or twice a year during holidays, staying with friends who have a family beach house, most years since the late 1990s. We’ve also participated in the sandcastle event. Every visit has involved trips to the north beach, which is the best part. If the bridge was not available there would be no easy way to access most of the beach - I don’t want to have to wade the river or arrange boats.

Lack of a bridge would seriously degrade my enjoyment of Waikawa Beach.

David Empson (Wellington, 2024-10-21)

#384

I'm signing because the bridge is a popular and important access to Waikawa beach. It is the only accessible access to the beach following the closure of the Manga Pirau road access.

Megan Thomas (Wellington, 2024-10-22)

#386

It’s insane that this is even a conversation. The footbridge is integral to the way we enjoy the dunes and forest and north beach. It is extremely well used and worth maintaining. Without the footbridge Waikawa beach just has a car park by a reserve. Not a gateway to the estuary walk and incredible dune landscape where you can spend hours exploring. It’s so important to the community and visitors

Karli Mitchell (Levin, 2024-10-22)

#390

The bridge is an essential component of the Waikawa Beach community

Pat O'Sullivan (Levin, 2024-10-22)

#392

I stay at Waikawa often and the footbridge is essential to be able to access and use the north beach

Zoe Truell (Takaka, 2024-10-22)

#396

I use this bridge daily to get to the beach. I walk the dunes and beach with my family and pets, it's a great resource for our community.

Tom Patea (Manakau, 2024-10-22)

#398

It is the only access to this side of the beach without swimming across the river - which is no good if you can't swim or you want to stay dry.

Sonya Martin (Waikawa Beach, 2024-10-22)