MEDIA RELEASE

HISTORIC KOPU BRIDGE SOCIETY INCORPORATED

17 July 2013

Ambushed by NZTA on future of old Kopu Bridge

The dedicated efforts of many professional Institutes and local support were dashed when the Historic Kopu Bridge Society was ambushed by NZTA in bizarre circumstances, 4pm 11 July 2013.

Regional Manager for NZTA, Harry Wilson, met with the Society and delivered the gut wrenching news that the Society’s bid for retention of the old Kopu Bridge had failed and demolition of the Coromandel’s most famous Category One heritage structure was imminent.

This was met with a stunned silence as the Society’s expectation was to have feedback from NZTA on their Business and Management Plan 18months in the making.

NZTA had failed to prepare the Society prior to receiving this news. An embargo had been placed on a media release that was not to be aired until 4.30pm meaning NZTA were only giving the Society a mere 15 minutes notice of the devastating news.

Hit with this blindside, the Society was ill equipped to reply. Only a fraction of the Stakeholders were able to attend this meeting. A unanimous protest on the decision was voiced.

The Society has yet to finalise its Financial Management Plan, which would explore further, private and Corporate support, look at economic, educational and cultural opportunities and explore the possibility of the Kopu Bridge becoming an integral part of the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Conflicting information from NZTA on the statistics gathered, consultation processes and flimsy evidence in support of the decision left the Society unimpressed with the professionalism of NZTA. There is no evidence to support the statistics of 70% wishing demolition of the bridge and certainly those locals that have been asked by the Society knew nothing of the decision or the consultation process.

The Historical Kopu Bridge Society profoundly refutes the claim that it expects ratepayers to fund this project. There has been extensive media claim that this project will impact on ratepayers and the community. The Society advises that other avenues of funding are being investigated and NZTA have prematurely knocked back this highly professional community Expression of Interest.

Our sole interest is in the viable retention of this valuable asset for future generations under a secure management plan. Plans are in place to initiate a Trust to oversee the management of the Kopu Bridge.

Retention is the cheapest option. The Society’s challenge to doubters “Are you prepared to spend $4million of your tax monies to demolish an iconic bridge?” This is what NZTA are preparing to do with your tax money.

The impact of demolition on the Thames/Coromandel historical integrity has yet to be addressed. The engineering feats in the construction of the bridge hold significant historical value for the Institute of Professional Engineers NZ, and the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. It is the only remaining operational swing span bridge in New Zealand. The Society places a “priceless” value on this asset.

We will continue to fight; a way can be found – to Save the Kopu Bridge.

If you wish to comment please contact:

Historic Kopu Bridge Society Inc
Email: savekopubridge@gmail.com

ENDS

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