FAQs

Ngā Hau Māngere

•   What is the project about?

  Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has replaced the Old Māngere Bridge with a safe, high-quality walking and cycling connection between the Ōnehunga and Māngere Bridge communities and a safe place for fishing.

  The new bridge was consented in mid-2016 and involved significant community input to come up with the right design for the community.

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•   Why are you replacing the bridge?

  The replacement bridge was included as part of the Manukau Harbour Crossing project (duplicate Māngere motorway bridge). The Old Māngere Bridge was more than 100 years old when it closed in November 2018 due to safety concerns.

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•   How wide is the bridge?

  Ngā Hau Māngere is eight metres wide – and up to 12 metres in the two dedicated fishing bays.

  Community feedback showed that people used Old Māngere Bridge for a variety of activities such as walking, cycling, fishing and as a destination in itself. Waka Kotahi has retained these activities in the design of Ngā Hau Māngere and so the bridge is wide enough for all these users to enjoy and share the space.

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•   Is there both low and high tide access for boats under the bridge?

  The bridge provides higher clearance above the harbour and for all-tide access beneath the bridge as well as being comfortable for those on foot and bike.

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•   Why can’t cars use the bridge?

  The old bridge was a popular community place for walking, cycling and fishing for many years now and we retained these activities in the new bridge.

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•   Why is there no segregated cycleway across the bridge?

  The bridge is a shared space for people on foot, bike or enjoying it as a destination in itself and so does not segregate spaces for different users.

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•   Who looks after the bridge now it is open?

  Auckland Council look after maintenance of the bridge as part of their guardianship for the surrounding area which includes the waterfront reserve.

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•   Why are no rubbish bins provided?

  There is a ‘carry in carry out’ approach to rubbish on the bridge. To support the successful adoption of this litter philosophy, no bins are located on the bridge itself. This decision has also been made in recognition of the role overflowing bins play in feeding rubbish into the natural environment. To prevent litter from entering the water, an innovative bridge deck has been designed by mana whenua which includes a 100mm lip spanning the full length to catch surface debris before it falls into the harbour. 

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•   What measures are in place to prevent antisocial behaviour?

  While lighting plays an aesthetic role on the bridge, its primary purpose is to improve night-time visibility and security for the public while extending the hours of safe use. Monitored CCTV cameras are also installed on both sides of the bridge.

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•   What environmental considerations have been given to the design?

  To prevent litter from entering the water, an innovative bridge deck has been designed which includes a 100mm lip spanning the full length to catch surface debris before it falls into the harbour. 

  Either side of the bridge also features raingardens which help clean stormwater runoff prior to it reaching the harbour water. Ecologically appropriate small native plants have been planted within these gardens to provide low ground level coverage and existing juvenile pohutukawa remain to offer shade and amenity for visitors in the years to come.

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