Project introduction

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.

  • Estimated project cost

    $38 million
  • Project type

    Bridge replacement
  • Project status

    Completed

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The bridge's te reo Māori name

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'.

About the project

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. 

Benefits

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.

Key features

To incorporate community feedback received, key features of the bridge include:

  • shared space with a gentle slope to provide access for everyone
  • a wide deck, acknowledging the many users of this public space – pedestrians, cyclists, those fishing and those who would like to sit and enjoy the view
  • two dedicated fishing bays with rod holders
  • a mixture of deck surface materials including timber at the entry and exit pointsand an anti-slip surface
  • lots of places to sit with different bench styles to suit families, small groups and individual visitors
  • deck and pier lights to increase visibility and extend the hours of safe use
  • safe and environmentally conscious handrails that include a lip and barrier at the railing base to stop rubbish falling into the harbour
  • increased clearance underneath and space between piers for waka, canoes, boats and small watercrafts to pass below
  • art and design features which focus on the social, cultural and heritage values of the surrounding communities and area.

Ngā Hau Māngere key features

Māngere Bridge cross section and key features

 

Project timeline

2005-2011

Safety strengthening works to the Old Māngere Bridge and regular monitoring.

2012-2014

Design and community consultation for the replacement of the Old Māngere Bridge.

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.

2016

Consents lodged with Auckland Council.

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.

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.

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.

2019

Construction of the new bridge begins.

2022

Construction of Ngā Hau Māngere complete and the bridge opens to the community on 27 August.

Frequently asked questions

Read the list of frequently asked questions