Save Waikawa footbridge

Comments

#403

This is our main access to Waikawa beach and iconic. Plus services are at one end of it. We probably wouldn't visit as much if couldn't access the beach and forest

Rosie Gibson (Waikanae, 2024-10-22)

#404

Of the tremendous times my family has had because of the bridge.

Graham Street (Guisborough, 2024-10-22)

#405

My family and I visit Waikawa Beach usually 2 to 3 times a year and have done since the early 1980's.We have had many happy times going over the bridge to the North Beach to walk through the "forest", through the sand dunes - "desert" and to the river mouth - "ocean". I am not looking forward to wading over to the North beach near the river mouth from the South beach to enjoy the North beach.

This annual funding allocated for bridge maintenance and eventual replacement needs to continue. The Council’s most recent Long-term Plan 2024-2044 has moved this funding into a fund called Waikawa Beach Accessway. This needs to be used for the maintenance and replacement of the bridge.

Suzanne Townsend (Wellington, 2024-10-22)

#406

I'm signing this because the Waikawa footbridge is an iconic part of Waikawa. Our family (over the generations) has regularly used this bridge for safe beach access, whitebaiting, etc. I believe the bridge should preserved for the future generations to enjoy. Many childhood adventures have started as you cross the bridge to explore what the other side offers.

Ann Davies (Levin, 2024-10-23)

#410

I am signing because we have and will continue to use the bridge and want to see it maintained

Paul Smith (Levin, 2024-10-25)

#412

I’ve been walking across the Waikawa bridge since I was a child. Now I bring my children to Waikawa every summer and everyday we cross that bridge. It’s the heart of the community and what makes Waikawa special. Without it, there is no way to get to the parts of the beach where we swim.

Harriet Palmer (Wellington, 2024-10-26)

#413

The bridge is essential because it connects Waikawa residents and visitors to the sand dunes, forest and sea. It’s in constant use during the summer

Tom Fitzsimons (Wellington, 2024-10-26)

#414

Bridge is historic to Waikawa beach. My wife's grandfather (Gilberd) built their bach 50 years ago and all family use this bridge everyday for kids to play and explore. My wife and I were married in the forest on the other side of bridge. Important to maintain this piece of history for the community.

Robert Fielding (Garden Bay, 2024-10-26)

#416

The bridge is well used and an important feature. Walking on the beach is much better than vehical access.

john andrews (Wellington, 2024-10-26)

#417

Investing in this bridge keeps the beach accessible - for the elderly, disabled, and in our case for our young family seeking to enjoy Waikawa and the beach. I would also hate to see someone injured because the council decided to postpone spending on the bridge or relocating the funds for other projects.

Charlotte O'Dea (Melbourne, 2024-10-27)

#418

I've signing because I visit Waikawa every year. I'll be visiting in Janurary and it would break my heart to see the bridge fall into disrepair and become unusable.

Matthew Betts (Melbourne, 2024-10-27)

#424

My family and I use the bridge regularly when we are at Waikawa Beach.

Clive Edwards (Wellington, 2024-10-27)

#425

We use the bridge every time we are at Waikawa Beach to access the coastline via the dunes.

Jacqui Pritchard (Otaki, 2024-10-27)

#426

Throughout my children's childhood years and adolescence we enjoyed weekends and holidays at Waikawa. In the summer months we crossed the bridge, climbed the sandhills, crossed the uusually dry lake, over the seaward dunes to swim and enjoy the sea. In the winter we crossed the bridge and walked for hours exploring the dunes. None of this would have happened if the brdge wasn't there. It gives access to so much recreational area hat can be enjoyed in most weathers.

Anne Gilbert (Wellington, 2024-10-27)

#433

My family and I use this bridge regularly. Wether it's a day to explore the forest or sandunes, or heading to the beach for a swim. My son rides his mountain bike though the forest making jumps. Great place to take our dog for a walk too. Would be a huge shame to see this gone. We need this to have something fun to do in the area.

Hayley Lange (Manakau, 2024-10-27)

#436

I'm signing because I have used this bridge numerous times when I have been in Waikawa with my brother and his family.

Donald Woolford (Wellington, 2024-10-28)

#444

Every time I visit my whānau in Waikawa, i end up using this bridge. It has access for a quick run down to the beach, and then I van jog north for a few KM to get some exercise. It also allows me turn my run into a circuit, if the tide is low. Please maintain this bridge!

Hannah Betts (Wellington, 2024-10-29)

#446

I’m signing because I live in Manakau and I know for a fact that we definitely need that bridge because I use it and so does the whole community. Also there isn’t other access to the beach from there unless you walk all the way onto the beach then of the estuary to the forest.

Kaia Richter (Levin, 2024-10-30)

#449

It is the only access residents and visitors have to access the northern end of beach. It is walking distance for most residents.
To be honest, if there was no bridge, I wouldn't bother staying in Waikawa Beach as this is the main reason for going - to walk to the beach. The walk through the trees along the river to the beach is a main attraction.

Tania Lee (Pinehaven, 2024-10-31)

#452

I think the bridge should definitely stay.

Chequita Te Kahu (Levin, 2024-10-31)

#456

We are regular weekly users of the Waikawa footbridge and we see it as an essential access point to our local beach!

Geoffrey Stent (Manakau, 2024-11-02)

#457

I fully support the petition to keep the footbridge because:
- I use this footbridge at least weekly and more in the summer
- With the public toilets, park and parking available visitors naturally use this bridge to access the beach
- Many children have been taught how to fish off this bridge for generations
- Everybody with houses within walking distance of the bridge will be forced to get into their cars to go to the south beach.
- This means there will be no access to the north end of the beach.
- I love walking through the forest, the basin and dunes. This area is very special.
Waikawa Beach is a treasure of the Horowhenua. It is a major attraction year round, spacious and totally natural. I think the council would be making a huge mistake should they choose to remove the bridge.

Susan Stent (Levin, 2024-11-02)

#458

I'm signing because the footbridge is VERY well used! I use it frequently and always see other people using it too. And that's not even accounting for the heavier usage over summer and on long weekends!

Hayley Stent (Levin, 2024-11-03)

#461

I use the bridge at least once per week to access the beach and conversely the car park when leaving the beach. My observation is that numerous other people use the bridge in this manner.

Alan Humphries (Waikanae, 2024-11-03)

#462

I walk across this bridge for dog walks at Waikawa Beach

Ruth Humphries (Waikanae Beach, 2024-11-03)

#465

Access to Waikawa Beach is endangered. This beautiful stretch of coastline has been treasured and enjoyed by residents, visitors and those with holiday houses, for a very long time. The typical fisherman bringing his /her boat down to the beach to enjoy a days fishing is currently not an option. Access for vehicles no longer exists. These people are not owners of extravagant vehicles towing eye wateringly expensive boats, but rather the original mum and dad holiday makers enjoying the restorative benefits of a day on the water. To further diminish access by turning their back on the care and or replacement of the footbridge, is in my opinion not only misguided but a derikiction of duty on the part of HCDC.

Rachel Johnson (Lower Hitt, 2024-11-03)

#466

I'm signing because the bridge is an important part of Waikawa and my family and I have had so much fun using it to access the river, forest and beach.

Belinda Olds (Wellington, 2024-11-04)

#471

The bridge is a lifeline. Please save it!

Liz Willmott (Wellington, 2024-11-07)

#474

The footbridge provides a safe option for all to have access to the western side of the Waikawa Stream.

Katrina Hamilton (Levin, 2024-11-07)

#476

The bridge is so important to life at waikawa and using the beach for foot traffic

Josie Truell (Wellington, 2024-11-07)

#479

We frequently visit Waikawa to access the beach and remarkable dune environment...it is an area that my family enjoy immensely, and something we would hate to lose access to.

Anton van Helden (Paraparaumu, 2024-11-09)

#480

We love the walk on the otherside!

Jassie van Helden (Raumati South, 2024-11-09)

#482

I live in Waikawa Beach and use this bridge regularly for walks.

Kerry Fitchett (Waikawa Beach, 2024-11-09)

#484

I live close to the bridge and use the bridge every time I go for a walk to access the beach. Taking down the bridge would mean I would have to drive everyday just to get down to the beach

Grace Broome (Wellington, 2024-11-09)

#487

I use this foot bridge whenever I visit my sister at Waikawa Beach to get onto the beach.

Jane Sinclair (Te Awamutu, 2024-11-11)

#489

Without the bridge, everyone would lose access to the best part of waikawa beach.

Hugo Healy (Waikawa, 2024-11-12)

#490

I recently moved to the area and have been using the bridge regularly to access Waikawa beach for swimming, walking and leisure. It’s a beautiful area. The bridge itself provides perfect access to the beach and the little pine tree woods. It also adds something to the spot itself, it’s looks nice and should remain for years to come.

Brad McDaniel (Bridgend, 2024-11-12)

#491

This bridge is fundamental to access the beach safely . Without it people will start trying to cross the river unsafely.

Kate Broome (Wellington, 2024-11-12)

#492

I use the bridge to access the beach , when I’m visiting family

Lynette Elder (Hamilton, 2024-11-12)

#498

I’m signing here because my family and I are regular users of the Waikawa footbridge and it would be devastating to see it go. It looks to be well in need of repair and with out it I believe there would be a major health and safety hazard with people trying to access the beach via the river. Please don’t take our bridge away!!

Rachael Davies (Otaki, 2024-11-12)

#500

I occasionally visit Waikawa and found the bridge to be an asset to the area.

Christophe Baudet (Waikanae, 2024-11-12)

#502

I would like to ensure the funding remains earmarked for replacing the bridge.

Murray Earnshaw (Levin, 2024-11-13)

#507

This bridge is iconic and part of local heritage. Please maintain/keep.

Kate Adams (Wellington, 2024-11-14)

#508

I have had stayed at our property at Waikawa for over 20 years and use the bridge daily for beach access when there. It also provides access to the flat river side when teaching children to kayak, and to participate in the annual sandcastle competitions.

Lynley Jones (Wellington, 2024-11-14)

#509

I'm signing because removal of the bridge or access would destroy so much enjoyment and adventure from so many lives. Council says they don't think it gets used enough? They must have taken a visual survey on a stormy day in winter. Mornings and evenings are perfect for dog walking (avoid hot sand). Adventures & memories for my dad as a kid (old bridge), me as a kid and now next generation too. Forest shags, tumbling dunes & pooh sticks. The northern beach has minimal vehicle disturbance, safer and more sheltered swimming spots at the river and there's always someone to meet and greet along the way.

Olivia Burton (Whanganui, 2024-11-14)

#512

I use that bridge every time I am at the beach
Which is 2-3tines a month
Every time I go across the bridge there is numerous people also using the bridge.
I use it at least twice a day whilst down there as it is the safest place to walk my dog.

Ash Walker (Wanganui, 2024-11-15)

#514

I use the bridge and value it.

Renee Cohen (Manakau, 2024-11-15)

#515

I use the bridge regularly for walking my dog and relaxation

Syd McBean (Otaki, 2024-11-15)

#522

We use this bridge to get to the beach with our dog when Kuku beach is at high tide .

It would be a shame to have this space taken away !

Julie Montgomery (Ohau, 2024-11-15)

#523

This bridge is a great access to the local beach for dog walkers via the forest or through the dunes, there's excellent parking space also right by the bridge, it's a great spot for locals and visitors alike. It definitely needs to be maintained for the amount of use it gets

Gillian Hapi (Levin, 2024-11-16)

#524

We use this bridge regularly to access the beach, walk our dogs and enjoy the area.

Ian Dewar (Otaki, 2024-11-16)

#525

I’m signing because the bridge is vital to the community, well patronised and one of very few services HDC provides to the Waikawa Beach community. As ratepayers who get relatively little for our rates, it is a dereliction of duty that HDC is even contemplating this negligence in provision of basic pedestrian infrastructure.

Regan Savage (Wellington, 2024-11-16)

#528

The footbridge is iconic to waikawa. It needs to stay or the link to the beach and famous forest is lost.

Angela Transom (Palmerston North, 2024-11-17)

#529

I like the bridge and use it

Gail Dewar (Te Horo, 2024-11-17)