Te Awa Kairangi is a planned timber bridge for pedestrians and cyclists in Lower Hutt, near Wellington, New Zealand. Designed by Monk Mackenzie, this concept-level bridge is part of an urban regeneration and flood protection programme that includes a new linear park, the relocated Melling train station, and a trio of bridges, two for vehicles and the third as a shared-use pathway for walkers and cyclists.
Te Awa Kairangi Pedestrian & Cycling Bridge
A central part of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (formerly RiverLink), this new sculpted timber truss bridge connects Lower Hutt’s city centre to the relocated Melling Station, weaving together flood protection, transport, ecology, and cultural renewal.
This is the pedestrian and cycle bridge in a trio of two bridges that handle vehicles, while this one serves active commuters. It directly links Lower Hutt’s city centre to the relocated Melling train station, making active travel easier and strengthening access to public transport, housing, and amenities.
Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi, meaning “The Soothing Waters of Te Awa Kairangi,” is a partnership grounded in culture, design, and community needs. The name and guiding vision were gifted by Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, ensuring that Māori stories and environmental values are central to the project’s identity.
On the governance side, the programme is delivered through a collaboration between Greater Wellington Regional Council, Hutt City Council, and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, who together oversee flood protection, transport, and urban development. The technical and construction side is led by AECOM, which oversees design and engineering within a Delivery Alliance.
They work alongside Fletcher Construction as the main delivery partner, while Techlam contributes expertise in engineered timber components for the bridge. This alliance model brings together iwi, government, and industry to create a project that blends cultural heritage with modern infrastructure.
Te Awa Kairangi Project Details
Location: Lower Hutt, Wellington Region, New Zealand
Bridge Type: Timber truss pedestrian and cycling bridge
Design Features: Shared path, river viewing spots, rest areas
Main Purpose: Link the city centre to Melling Station, promote walking and cycling
Firm: Monk Mackenzie
Lead Agencies: Iwi, Greater Wellington, Hutt City Council, Waka Kotahi
Design & Engineering: AECOM, alliance partners
Construction: Fletcher Construction, Resolve Group
Visualization by Monk Mackenzie
