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Description

Local historians weekly "Back Issues" article in the Manawatū Standard. History of the Ōpiki Suspension Bridge, also known as Tane Suspension Bridge, Rangitāne Swing Bridge and Opiki Toll Bridge.

Designed byJoseph Dawson and officially opened in 1918, it was then the longest heavy traffic bridge in New Zealand. This river crossing was used by vehicles and stock. It saved local flax mill owners many hours and costs transporting produce to the rail network. The bridge closed in 1969 but remained a significant imposing landmark. It has a Category 1 listing with Heritage New Zealand.

In recent times it has deteriorated significantly, with the collapse of the upstream wire in September 2023.

Identification

Object type
Image
Content type
Born digital
Relation
Manawatū Standard
Date
December 2, 2023
Digitisation ID
2023Pa_IMCA-DigitalArchive_041891
Format
Born Digital

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A Brief History of the Opiki Flax Industry (1902-1919)
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Opiki toll bridge prices prematurely altered for decimal currency
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Taxonomy

Tags
flax industry,
opiki suspension bridge rural farmland industry,
opiki toll bridge,
transport,
Community Tags

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Related items

Opiki suspension bridge and the River Flaxmill
A Brief History of the Opiki Flax Industry (1902-1919)
Construction of suspension bridge, Opiki
Tane Flaxmill and Suspension Bridge
Locomotive hauling flax to Miranui Flaxmill, near Shannon
Flax fibre being transported from Miranui Flaxmill, near shannon
Locomotive at Miranui Flaxmill, near Shannon
Opiki Toll Bridge
Opiki toll bridge prices prematurely altered for decimal currency
Opiki Toll Bridge
Opiki Toll Bridge
Opiki Toll Bridge