Connectivity came a step closer today with the lifting of the Te Reinga Bridge onto its permanent site.

In one of the biggest bridge lifts seen in New Zealand, the bridge arch was lifted into place using a 1100-tonne crane.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little described the bridge lift as a huge step in connectivity for Ruakituri, Te Reinga and surrounding communities.

“Wairoa is grateful to the government for recognising our need and fully funding the $14 million permanent replacement bridge.”

Mayor Little thanked the local iwi and Māori landowners for their assistance and guidance, and the community for their patience, and acknowledged the work of QRS, which holds the contract, and the work of the specialised sub-contractors.

The Te Reinga Bridge was initially damaged during the floods in March 2022. Further damage occurred in February 2023 during Cyclone Gabrielle, which caused a pier to wash away, leading to the bridge’s closure. The old bridge was demolished in June 2023, and a temporary bridge (including a Bailey bridge) was constructed to restore access and opened in February 2024.

The new permanent bridge is a one-lane, 90.5m long network arch spanning the entire riverbed with a 13.5m long single land span, eliminating the need for a pier in the riverbed.

A reminder, the road will be closed until 8pm tonight (27.11.25) and from 8am to 6pm from Friday 28 November to Monday 1 December, and then under traffic management from 8am to 6pm from Tuesday 2 December until Friday 5 December.

We will be working to restore road access as quickly and safely as possible. This may include temporary or partial access before the planned reopening date and updates will be provided as new information is confirmed.

Caption: Connectivity came a step closer today with the lifting of the Te Reinga Bridge onto its permanent site. Pictured is the 1100-tonne crane lifting the bridge arch over the temporary bridge and onto the abutments for the new permanent bridge. Photo credit: Melissa Stanaway QRS.

27 November 2025

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