Nelson City Council

About

The old Normanby Bridge was showing signs of deterioration to such an extent that a 3,500 kilogram weight limit and a 30km speed limit had been imposed. The structure and foundations also had very little seismic capacity.

In 2008 a new bridge was built, replacing the cart traffic bridge of 1877. It re-opened on 5 June 2008 to coincide with World Environment Day, hosted in 2008 by New Zealand. The new bridge is named Aratuna, Pathway of the Eels.

History

At this site in the 1840s a footbridge linked the small settlement of Nelson together.  When it was replaced by a ‘cart’ bridge in 1877 it was greeted with enthusiasm by the settlement. 

The Bridge was gifted from the Provincial Council but the approaches were not formed and it looked like lack of funds would prevent bridge being used.

It is assumed that Lord Normanby (New Zealand Governor General 1875-1879) found the funds and hence the bridge was named after him.  It must have had good piles as subsequent rebuilds over the years reused them but today we have a completely new structure.

Local iwi have agreed that the name Aratuna is a fitting one for the new bridge, as it means “pathway of eels”. This ties with the historic importance to M&#257ori of this area as a treasured source of food and the art that now adorns the bridge.

Sights to see

The inclusion of art work into the new Normanby Bridge consolidates Nelson City Council's desire to incorporate art into new physical structures.

Meaning and origination of the eel

The new Normanby Bridge features a distinctive eel design. Eels were plentiful in the area of the bridge when it was only swampy marsh and the area is rich in historical significance to both Maori and European settlers. 

The former swampy area hosted an abundance of eels which were an important food source for Maori. The eel pond in Queens Gardens is also an important site for tangata whenua and the Maitai River is considered sacred as a provider of mahinga kai. The eel design is intended to raise awareness of Maori customs and history around eel harvesting. 

Eel species

There are two main eels in NZ.  The long finned eel are a threatened fish due to pollution and commercial fishing.  They have been in existence for 65 million years and are the largest freshwater eel in the world. They are only found in New Zealand in rivers and lakes and they grow from one millimetre to two metres, living for about 60 years.  

The long finned eel breeds only once and swims 5000km to do so near Tonga.  The tiny larvae float back on currents and enter rivers again in July and November each year.

The idea is conceived

When newly elected as Mayor, Kerry Marshall was shown plans for a replacement for the Normanby Bridge he said “Where is the art?” This was the start of a new positive commitment to the arts from Nelson City Council linked with their capital works programme.

Eels on the bridge

The abutment decoration will be enhanced by a traditional ‘eel trap and also an etched handrail which will celebrate the song of the Maitai and the story of the eel.

Location

The new Normanby Bridge is located on Bridge Street east of Collingwood Street as it crosses over the Maitai River past Domett Street.

For more information

For more information on heritage walks and heritage sites please contact Arts and Heritage Team Leader.