The Toki Poutangata bridge in Westport will officially open today, Buller District Council has announced.
The bridge is a significant part of the Westport Waterfront’s The Riverbank project, which is regenerating the industrial area between the Buller River and Westport’s town centre and forms part of the wider Westport Master Plan.
The ceremony will begin at 1pm with the unveiling of E Toru Ngā Mea, a significant pounamu gift from Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae to the Buller community.
“At 2pm the Toki Poutangata opening ceremony will commence. From 3.30pm the bridge will be open for the public to enjoy,” Council said in a statement.
“The opening ceremony will be held on the town-side of the Toki Poutangata bridge entry ramp. Invited guests will be seated in accordance with covid protocols. However, additional seating will be available for members of the public who would like to watch the event.
“The project has been delivered through a partnership between Kānoa (MBIE), Buller District Council and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae (Ngāti Waewae), who is also kaitiaki for the area. Primary funding was secured via the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) with Council coinvestment,” Council said.
For more information on The Riverbank project go to https://bullerdc.govt.nz/westport-riverfront-project
