New pedestrian bridge brings public art to Ōtara OurAuckland story

This new pedestrian bridge was designed and constructed to replace an old walkway over a water pipe, and is a special example of how art and infrastructure can work together. The bridge features 17 stunning manaia (stylised figure used in Māori carving), each with a bird-like head painted in bright colours; these bold colours were chosen to reflect the diversity of the people living in Ōtara.



The concept for the bridge artwork is based on the story of Tara and the essence of manaaki tangata (care for the people) for those who visit the whenua (land). The vertical elements on the bridge are stylised manu (birds), standing strong and proud as kaitiaki (custodians or guardians) of those using the bridge. They also represent the many people who have travelled through Ōtara during its past, who have described the area as lush fertile lands filled with birds, and who hold these stories within their waiata (song).



The design of the boardwalk references woven patterns, which emphasise the bringing together of cultures and generations that still live, work and share the spaces of Ōtara. Diamond shaped coloured steel plates set into the wooden decking depict the changing colours of the day into night. The outer bridge skirting acts like a kete (basket) to hold the cultural integrity of Tara and his legacy of utu – which responds to caring for the whenua and visitors.

Ōtara Creek Pedestrian Bridge

This large fish-shaped canopy is a symbol of the Ōtara Town Centre. Reflecting Otara's largely Māori and Polynesian population, the iconic structure was designed by architect Rewi Thompson. The canopy was completed in three stages from 1991 to 1994 and funded by the then Manukau City Council.

The posts supporting the canopy have been painted with Pacific designs and were originally adorned with 13 carvings by young local Māori artists and made at the Aronui Trust and Whaiora Marae. This was the result of an Enterprise Ōtara project which was also funded by the Manukau City Council. The carvings were unveiled in 1995.

Fish Canopy

This printed glass canopy links Ōtara Town Centre’s main square with the western carpark. By day, the modern kōwhaiwhai pattern creates a dappled effect, similar to walking through a grove of trees with shadows moving in the sunlight.



The name of the kōwhaiwhai pattern is a reference to the food of the karaka, said to have been planted around the area of Ōtara Town Centre by Toi Te Huatahi from Reikohu (Chatham Island).



The work reflects on local Māori history and can be seen as a metaphor for the migration and establishment of new cultures in a new land, while also acknowledging the mana whenua (tribe with historic and territorial rights over the land) of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki.

Ngā Kopi o Toi / The Karaka Berries of Toi

Arching over the entrance to Te Puke ō Tara Community Centre in Ōtara, this traditional Māori carved waharoa (threshold) was specially made for the community centre in 1995. *Gateway* is ornately decorated, painted deep red with black and white painted details.

The striking gateway welcomes visitors to the leisure centre and it was carved by Aronui Trust Carvers. The Aronui Trust was established in the 1990s to provide Auckland-based tertiary education specialising in trades, indigenous studies and hospitality. Artists from the Aronui Trust Carvers collective also contributed carvings to embellish Ōtara's iconic [*Fish Canopy*](/artworks/3750), unveiled in 1995.

Henriata Nicholas, Marc Lenton

Ōtara Creek Pedestrian Bridge

"A bright and beautiful bridge featuring woven patterns that represent the people who share the spaces of Ōtara."

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New pedestrian bridge brings public art to Ōtara OurAuckland story

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