A cable from the heritage-listed Ōpiki Bridge has plunged into the Manawatū River, creating a navigational hazard and prompting warnings for boaties to stay clear of the area.
Horizons Regional Council harbourmaster Brittany Hogan said the cable was the same one that dropped into the river in September 2023 and was pulled back onto the bridge in March 2024.
“However, the issue this time appears to be with the bridge structure on the Horowhenua District side. Last time, it was with the bridge structure on the Manawatū District side,” Hogan said.
The cable was considered a navigational hazard, and the council urged river users to avoid the area until it was removed. Horizons has notified local river groups and Horowhenua District Council and is working to install warning signage.
“It is too early to give a timeframe on when the cable will be removed," Hogan said.
Once New Zealand's longest suspension bridge, the Ōpiki Bridge was built in 1918 and was originally used to service the flax industry in the area. It later operated as a toll bridge until 1969 when the new State Highway 56 bridge opened upstream. The deck of the bridge was removed at this time.
The bridge had a Category 1 rating from Pouhere Taonga Heritage New Zealand.
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