Media release 13.02.2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public meeting to Save Kopu Bridge

“Save Kopu Bridge” is holding a public meeting to discuss the future of Historic Places Trust Category One Kopu Bridge, following the recent threat of demolition by Thames Coromandel District Council (TCDC) Mayor Glenn Leach. The meeting is to be held on Saturday 25th February from 2-3pm at Thames South School Hall.

Invited guest speakers will include TCDC and Hauraki District Council (HDC) Mayor John Tregidga, the NZ Transport Authority and the Historic Places Trust.

“ TCDC public documents frequently acknowledge the importance to “celebrate and protect our heritage” ” says Save Kopu Bridge spokesperson Kim Buchanan. “We call on them now to honour this and consult with the public and other stakeholders to allow the bridge to continue to be used by pedestrians and cyclists as a “jewel in the crown” heritage experience and an iconic starting journey of the Hauraki Rail Trail”

Kopu Bridge is the last remaining operational swing bridge in NZ and the longest single span bridge in NZ. It has the highest possible heritage status in NZ. “Category One is a ranking not given lightly and indicative of it’s important regional and national significance” says Robin Byron of Historic Places Trust.

A petition signed by over 700 people to date is available at The Thames School of Mines, The Museum and the Seagull Centre with an online petition at issues.co.nz/savekopubridge.

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