New name for Wainuiomata summit bridge

The Wainuiomata community has spoken; the new summit bridge has an official name, Pukeatua Bridge, a Māori name meaning Hills of the Gods, which denotes the sacred significance and history of the mountains.

The name was decided on 22 September by the Wainuiomata Community Board and was selected from a shortlist of three options submitted by the community.

Wide support for the name was provided in a collective submission by the Wainuiomata community and the Wainuiomata Marae, and reinforced by the Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko Naming Group of the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust.

Chair of the Waiwhetu Marae and representative of the Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko Naming Group, Kura Moeahu, spoke passionately about the history of Pukeatua and the founding of the land. His korero can be viewed here.

Wainuiomata Community board chair Richard Sinnott says the name is significant because it represents Wainuiomata’s diversity and recognises the importance of the hill and road as a connection to the greater Hutt Valley.

“The new name is representative of Wainuiomata’s pride in our community and strong connection with our Maori ancestry.”

The bridge is due to be installed on 30 September and will provide a safe and accessible place for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the busy Wainuiomata Hill Road.

The bridge is part of a shared cycling and pedestrian path connecting Wainuiomata with the wider Hutt Valley.

ENDS

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