Horizons to remove cables from historic Ōpiki bridge

Horizons Regional Council will remove the cables from the historic Ōpiki bridge this week.

Horizons group manager catchment operations Dr Jon Roygard says the removal of the cables comes after one cable fell from the bridge into the river at the end of December 2025.
 
“It is the same cable which fell in September 2023 and was put back on the bridge in March 2024. Despite work to strengthen the cables in March 2024, high winds between Christmas and New Year led to the cable falling again.
 
“Both these incidents created a navigational hazard for people using the Manawatū River.
 
“The other cable, while it has not fallen, is in similar condition to the one currently in the river. We will remove this cable at the same time to avoid the possibility of it also falling.
 
“Removing both cables at the same time also helps to bring the cost of the works down. Doing one cable now and the other at a later date is significantly more expensive than removing both at the same time.”
 
People will see works in the area from Tuesday 3 February, with the process of safely removing the cables to take multiple days, says Dr Roygard.
 
“We know people have enjoyed the iconic view of the cables hanging from the bridge for many years. This view has also served as a reminder of the flax industry which used to operate in the area.

“However, Horizons has obligations when it comes to navigational safety of the Manawatū River and the use of public funds. Removing both cables ensures we uphold those obligations.
 
“We have engaged with Pouhere Taonga Heritage New Zealand since the cable fell in December, and they are aware of the removal plan. We have also had discussions with other interested parties. 
 
“We will be gifting sections of cable to Historic Places Manawatū-Horowhenua and the Akers family.”

Horizons Regional Council serves as the harbourmaster authority for the Manawatū River and its tributaries under the Maritime Transport Act 1994. Horizons is responsible for ensuring maritime safety throughout this area.
 
The historic Ōpiki bridge was built in 1918 and was originally used to service the flax industry in the area. It was later operated as a toll bridge until 1969, when the new higher State Highway 56 bridge across the Manawatū River a short distance upstream opened in 1969. The historic bridge has a Category 1 rating from Pouhere Taonga Heritage New Zealand

Image: The cable in the river, pictured on 31 December 2025.