Gisborne’s new Te Ikaroa a Rauru footbridge designed by DC Structures Studio is again in the limelight only one month after being formally opened in October, receiving top honours in the $500,000-$1.5 million category at the 2025 Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ) Excellence in Steel Awards in November.
The footbridge, also known as the 1000-year Walkway Bridge, is part of the Gisborne District Council’s Navigation Tairawhiti project. Situated at the Puhi Kai Iti Cook Landing Site National Historic Reserve, it takes the form of a waka and communicates the rich history of the region, celebrating 1000 years of navigators arriving by sea at Turanganui-a-Kiwa.
Described by the council as “a legacy that connects our people, our place, and our past to the future”, this is the second time the footbridge has been recognised at a national level in recent months. In June, it won the Small Practice Award and Supreme Award at the Structural Engineering Excellence Awards for outstanding achievement in the advancement of structural engineering design and construction.
Originating with a vision to weave the area’s heritage into the landscape, telling and making the region’s dual story accessible to everyone, the footbridge design began with the decision that the waka had to represent a true structural engineering form. DC Structures’ engineering approach was to have a steel plate (hull) skin carry the primary loads and internally reinforce it with steel ring-beams spaced longitudinally. This is consistent with traditional waka construction techniques, adding cultural integrity to the outcome.
SCNZ described the result as “a powerful example of how structural steel can deliver technical excellence while shaping enduring cultural landmarks.”
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Art and engineering were innovatively integrated in the architectural vision for the footbridge with local iwi artist Nick Tupara designing intricate laser-cut panels for the ihu (prow board) and taurapa (stern post).
This integration presented unique structural challenges and DC Structures worked collaboratively with Tupara to understand the artistic intent and structural implications of the proposed designs, ensuring that the engineering solutions complemented the artwork.
SCNZ judges commended the footbridge as “a seamless integration of art, culture and engineering – with artistic intent embedded in every structural decision.
“This stunning project takes the ability to convey culturally significant Māori objects to a whole new level, in how it was conceived, modelled, analysed, designed and built.”
Read more about the Te Ikaroa a Rauru footbridge and DC Structures Studio