The restored and upgraded bridge was celebrated at an event last night, recognising the generosity of the Harper family and the lasting contribution Harry made to the town he loved.

Waimakariri District Mayor Dan Gordon, who knew Harry personally, says the project was a fitting tribute to a man whose quiet generosity made a real difference to Kaiapoi.

“Harry dedicated so much of his life to serving Kaiapoi. He was an old-school gentleman, and many people will remember him walking around Kaiapoi in his full suit. This bridge was part of his regular walking route,” Mayor Gordon says.

“It’s particularly special that a place so familiar to Harry will now carry something of his generosity into the daily lives of others.”

Harry left a significant bequest for a project in the vicinity of Charles and Williams streets. His family chose to direct the funds towards restoring and upgrading the bridge, working with Council to help shape the project.

“We are grateful to Ray and Ann Harper, and the Harper family, and the Waimakariri Public Arts Trust for helping make this project a reality,” Mayor Gordon says.

The bequest enabled the upgrade to be brought forward from Council’s original 2027/28 timeframe in its Long Term Plan.

The work was initially prompted by an engineering assessment that found the bridge’s old barriers were no longer fit for purpose.

The upgraded bridge features a new stainless-steel balustrade with higher handrails and beautifully detailed artistic panels designed by local artist Mel Eaton. The panels celebrate Kaiapoi’s history, from its beginnings as an early Ngāi Tūāhuriri settlement to the vibrant riverside community it is today.

“The beautifully detailed artwork is absolutely stunning, brining Kaiapoi’s history to life and giving people something to appreciate every time they cross the river,” Mayor Gordon says.

“But what makes this project especially meaningful is that Harry’s contribution to Kaiapoi continues. He supported the community throughout his life, and his parting gift will benefit people for years to come.”

Mayor Gordon also confirmed his support for naming the bridge after Harry, with a report on the proposed naming due to come before Council.

“I will be fully supporting the bridge to be named after Harry. I can think of no more fitting way to recognise his generosity and the connection he had with this place,” Mayor Gordon says.

The restored bridge is one of the last projects to be completed in the renewal of Kaiapoi following the Canterbury earthquakes, Mayor Gordon says.